AINDA ESTOU AQUI: Vazios, memórias e uma singeleza potente | Crítica

Summary

In this video, PH Santos offers a profound review of the Brazilian film *I’m Still Here*, which is the country’s choice for the 2025 Oscars. The movie, directed by Walter Salles and based on the book by Marcelo Rubens Paiva, delves into the impact of the military dictatorship on a family. Through powerful performances, particularly by Fernanda Torres, the film explores themes of loss, memory, and resilience. With nuanced symbolism and emotional depth, it portrays a mother’s transformation and the delicate balance between personal and political history, shedding light on the fragility of both family and democracy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The film *I'm Still Here* explores the profound emotional and psychological impact of Brazil's military dictatorship, particularly on families affected by forced disappearances.
• 😀 The movie's central symbol is 'emptiness,' which is portrayed throughout, emphasizing the lasting consequences of losing a loved one to political violence.
• 😀 Fernanda Torres' performance is highlighted as a dominant force in the film, embodying both silence and strength as her character, Eunice, deals with the void left by her husband's disappearance.
• 😀 The film carefully weaves themes of memory and loss, showing how revisiting memories is necessary for healing, especially when they are tied to traumatic events.
• 😀 Eunice’s transformation from a woman in despair to a powerful, resilient figure symbolizes the broader fight against oppression and personal hardship.
• 😀 The narrative subtly critiques the fragility of democracy, drawing parallels between the collapse of a family and the collapse of societal structures.
• 😀 The film's structure is described as calm and balanced, yet it builds tension through minimalistic sound design, representing the emotional emptiness the family faces.
• 😀 Eunice's role as a mother evolves, showcasing her strength and determination as she takes on the responsibility of rebuilding her family's life after her husband's disappearance.
• 😀 The narrative also uses visual symbolism, like the sea and the family’s home, to represent both emotional states and the passage of time.
• 😀 The final scenes offer a sense of closure, with Eunice finding peace, despite the immense sacrifices she had to make, allowing the family to rebuild and carry on her legacy.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the movie 'I’m Still Here' as discussed in the script?

The central theme of the movie revolves around the emotional and psychological impact of the military dictatorship on a family, specifically the absence of the father figure and the resulting void in their lives. The narrative explores how the mother, Eunice, copes with the loss and strives to maintain her family's structure despite the harsh political environment.

How does the film symbolize the emotional void left by Rubens' disappearance?

The film symbolizes the emotional void through various cinematic elements, such as framing and symbolism. For example, Eunice is barefoot and the space in the house is shown as empty, highlighting the loss. The visual representation of emptiness, particularly in key scenes like when Rubens is kidnapped, emphasizes the void left by his absence.

What role does Fernanda Torres' performance play in the movie?

Fernanda Torres' performance is pivotal in conveying the internal struggle and strength of Eunice. Her portrayal of a woman initially overwhelmed by anxiety and impotence gradually transforming into a strong, resilient figure is central to the film's emotional depth. Torres controls the silence and absence, becoming the emotional anchor of the story.

How does the film portray the transformation of Eunice throughout the narrative?

Eunice's transformation is marked by a shift from a vulnerable, anxious figure to a strong, independent woman. Initially, she is shown as someone who is dependent on her husband and struggles with the absence of him. Over time, she becomes a symbol of resilience, taking on the responsibilities of raising her family and confronting the oppressive regime.

What does the film suggest about the fragility of democracy?

The film uses the family's breakdown as a metaphor for the fragility of democracy. Just as the family appeared structured but crumbled under the pressures of political oppression, the film warns that a democracy, no matter how strong it seems, can easily collapse if not properly supported and defended.

How does the use of memory play a role in the narrative?

Memory is a key theme in the film, especially as Eunice struggles with Alzheimer's. The film underscores the importance of revisiting memories to preserve them and maintain one's sense of identity. Eunice's selective memory, holding onto only the moments that matter, reflects her strength and her way of coping with the past trauma.

What is the significance of the final scene with Fernanda Montenegro?

The final scene with Fernanda Montenegro captures a moment of emotional release for Eunice. After years of struggle, she finally shows a lightness and peace, symbolizing the culmination of her journey. The scene represents Eunice's acceptance of her role in her family's survival and the understanding that her sacrifice was worth it.

How does the film contrast the lives of the family before and after the father's disappearance?

Before the father's disappearance, the family is depicted as wealthy, well-off, and structured, enjoying a comfortable life. After his abduction, the family's structure is broken down, and they are forced to adapt to a life of loss and uncertainty. This contrast highlights the profound impact of the dictatorship on personal lives and families.

What is the symbolic role of the sea in the film?

The sea in the film is used as a symbol of both personal and collective struggle. It represents Eunice's rebirth, where she reconnects with herself and her strength. It also reflects the internal emptiness of the characters, especially the middle daughter, who stands before it and contemplates the vastness of their loss and her own identity.

Why is the character of the eldest daughter important in the narrative?

The eldest daughter plays a crucial role as a bridge between the past and the future. She is the only one who actively looks back, filming the house and preserving memories. Her actions highlight the importance of remembering the past in order to move forward, and her role in the family's history is essential in understanding the emotional weight of their experiences.