Orpheu Negro(Black Orpheus)
Brazil/France (1959): Drama/Romance/Fantasy
Black Orpheus is literally what its title suggests: a retelling of the "Orpheus and Eurydice" legend enacted by black performers. This time the setting is the annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Orpheus (Breno Mello) is a streetcar conductor; Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn), has just jilted her lover and is attempting to escape his wrath. Orpheus himself falls in love with Eurydice, whereupon her ex-lover, disguised as the Angel of Death (it is Carnaval time, after all), shows up and kills Eurydice. To reclaim his lost love, Orpheus enters "Hell" (the Rio morgue) and uses supernatural methods to revive the dead girl. A multi-award winner on the international film scene, Black Orpheus (co-written and directed by Marcel Camus) avoids the pitfalls of pretension thanks to the engaging performances by the leading characters. The film's dull spots are glossed over by the driving samba musical score by Luiz Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim. (Tupan Filmes-Dispat Films/Lopert Pictures) (Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide)
1 nomination, 1 Award
· Best Foreign Language Film 1959: (France)