In the film Orfeo Negro (Black Orpheus), a young Brazilian man named Orpheus falls deeply in love with a young woman named Eurydice. This tragic tale can be easily related to the Shakespearian tragedies which we are all familiar with. This movie tells a story but has many interesting and entertaining scenes that exemplify the culture of the country as well.
This story set in Rio de Janeiro shows the celebration of Carnaval, the week before lent and one of the most celebrated times in Latin American culture. The film did a great job showing the unity and togetherness of this time, with everybody having a part to play in the festivities. The culture that was shown was wonderful as well; the costumes and clothes really contrasted each other. The costumes for carnaval were bright and exuberant while the clothes that they wore for everyday occasions weren't as glamorous. .
Looking deeper at the portrayal of the lives led by the characters in comparison to actual accounts taken during the time, there are similarities and differences. One thing that seemed ridiculous at first was the scene in which Orpheus went to get his guitar back from the pawn shop and ended up paying a man to get out of his face with his phonograph. Orpheus may have been so ecstatic that it was carnaval that he decided to give the man money. Another theory is that Orpheus only wanted his guitar and to be happy and play during carnaval. Generosity must spread during Carnival and Orfeo Negro does a great job at portraying this. Another character, Sarafina (Eurydice's cousin) seems to have saved all of her money, just to spend it on her costume for carnaval, something that might not be looked at as financially smart in other parts of the world.
Another amazing detail that is portrayed is that, even though Orpheus lives on the top of a mountain in a small village, people in the city know and respect him, this may be because he works as a trolley operator in the city, or because he is a great dancer, or even because his name is that of the main character in a classic play.
