It interesting that Black Orpheus presents a quintessential love story interwoven with a culture heavily focused on celebration. The majority of the film is filled with singing, guitar playing, dancing. It’s part an amazing showcase of the festival and part tragic love story. Both elements feed off each other in equal measure – so much so that it’s easy to imagine that Eurydice might have not given Orpheus the time of day if it hadn’t been Carnaval. It is filled with story and character-altering plots taking place in a beautiful setting. From the multi-colored dancers to the clean arpeggios of a rickety acoustic guitar that sings for the right player, Black Orpheus is an experience that engages all the senses. It puts on display an environment in which it easy to fall in love. And that is exactly what occurs. After enough dancing and staring into each other’s eyes, Orpheus and Eurydice create a bond that is simple but destined for eternity.
There is also another element to focus on, the duality of reality versus mythology. This is a mythic story after all, based on the tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. It is interesting to note the dualities made in the movie: a man wearing a skeleton costume is the specter of Death, a staircase is the descent into Hades, a stray dog is Cerberus, and a hoodoo ritual is the chance for Orpheus and Eurydice to reunite.
All of these elements flow perfectly from the exotic nature of Carnaval in Rio. It interesting to see how all the dancing, music, and celebration contribute to the culture and the plot of this provoking story. Black Orpheus simultaneously is a movie about outfits, dance-styles, and bassa nova and an important story about the nature of deep, transcendent emotions.
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