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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 May 2023
Cast
Orfeu, played by Breno Mello
Eurydice, played by Marpessa Dawn
Death, played by Adhemar da Silva
Mira, played by Lourdes de Oliveira
Serafina, played by Lèa Garcia
Hermes, played by Alexandro Constantino
Chico Boto, played by Waldetar de Souza
Benedito, played by Jorge dos Santos
Zeca, played by Aurino Cassanio
Crew
Director: Marcel Camus
Production Companies: Dispat Film / Gemma / Cinematografica / Tupan Filmes
Producer: Sacha Gordine
Production Manager: Jacques Gibault
Music: Luis Bonfá, Antonio Carlos Jobim
Screenplay: Vinitius de Morães, based on his play
Photography: Jean Bourgoin
Editor: Andrée Feix
Awards
Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Hollywood, 1959
Best Film (Palme d’Or), Cannes International Film Festival, 1959
Best Film, Venice Film Festival, 1959
Plot
Establishing scenes show excited preparation for the Rio de Janeiro Carnival taking place in the shanty town of the ‘Morros’ on the steep cliffs above Rio. Eurydice arrives on the ship coming into the harbour, and she is invited onto a tram by the driver, Orfeu. When they arrive at the terminal, Eurydice is directed by Orfeu’s boss, Hermes, to the house of her cousin, Serafina. Orfeu is met by his girlfriend, Mira, who persuades him to go along to the marriage ceremonies office to arrange their marriage. Afterwards he refuses to buy her a ring, choosing instead to get his guitar back from the pawn shop. Eurydice arrives at Serafina’s house and tells her that she has run away because a man is after her to kill her. Meanwhile Orfeu is asked by the two young boys, Benedito and Zeca, if it is true that his songs make the sun rise; he sings for them and Eurydice, who is next door, hears his song and is charmed. Orfeu introduces himself to Eurydice and tells her the story of the Greek myth of Orpheus’s love for Eurydice. Serafina takes Mira off, thereby allowing Orfeu to dance with Eurydice; a dionysianerotic frenzy ensues. While Eurydice is having her dress prepared, Death appears at the window, and she takes fright and runs off. Death finally catches up with her, and is about to kill her when Orfeu frightens him off. Serafina decides to let Eurydice go to the Carnival so she can spend time with her boyfriend, Chico, who has arrived from Montevideo.
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