Vazante

Vazante is a compelling and emotionally evocative film set in nineteenth-century Brazil, directed by Daniela Thomas. First released in 2017, the movie stars Adriano Carvalho, Luana Nastas, and Sandra Corveloni, who deliver stellar performances, bringing to life the complex and layered narrative.

The principal character is Antonio, portrayed meticulously by Adriano Carvalho. Antonio is a diamond miner and cattle rancher, caught in the vortex of the complex socio-economic system of his time. Antonio is a worn-out widower who loses his wife and newborn baby in a short interval, leaving him distraught. Carvalho's performance strikes a chord with audiences, casting a sympathetic light on a character caught up in the harsh realities of life.

In Vazante, the setting forms an intrinsic part of the narrative. The location is a large, remote farm at the heart of the diamond mining region in Diamantina, the mountainous region of Southeast Brazil. The nauseating decay from the slavery-inflicted society is offset by the breathtaking beauty of the natural environment, creating a stark contrast that thrusts the film's themes into sharp relief.

The dynamics of the film take an intense turn with Antonio's second marriage to Beatriz, a twelve-year-old girl. She's played by the young actress Luana Nastas, whose innocence and raw anguish form a stirring counterpoint to Antonio's gruff stoicism. Although Beatriz is a child, she is thrust dramatically into the world of adults, confronting brutal realities that highlight the interplay of power, oppression, innocence, and freedom in slave-driven Brazil.

It is noteworthy to mention Sandra Corveloni's character portrayal as Ondina, the staunch and resolute house-slave. She is a beacon of strength and fortitude amidst the backdrop of crude injustices. Her story takes a parallel track to Antonio and Beatriz's narrative, weaving a rich tapestry of interconnected lives.

The movie 'Vazante' delves deep into the darkest recesses of slavery-inflicted society in Brazil. It is filled with raw emotion, unsettling realities, and silent moments that speak volumes about the human condition. The characters seldom communicate verbally, which lends a unique feature to this film as their silence becomes an essential tool for communication, emphasizing the expansiveness of their environment and their isolation.

One of the significant highlights of the film is the brilliant work of the cinematographer, Inti Briones. Briones remarkably captures the region's broad landscapes, coupled with an intense focus on characters' expressions. The film's black-and-white cinematography accentuates the stark oppositions in the narrative, cementing the dramatic tension and lending the film a timeless quality.

The sound design, directed by Vasco Pimentel, is another critical element of this cinematic treat. The sounds of nature, the rustling trees, chirping insects, and the occasional roar of a distant wildcat are effectively juxtaposed with the deafening silence that envelopes the estate, heightening the sense of isolation and despair experienced by the characters.

In essence, Vazante is not a typical period drama. It channels a deeply-rooted emotional narrative that transcends time and space. The direction by Daniela Thomas, a co-director of several critically acclaimed films including “Linha de Passe,” will leave audiences feeling invested in this narrative of human suffering, resilience, and longing for freedom. The film subtly yet effectively questions the societal norms of its period, shedding light on the cruel structures of race, gender, and power that dominated nineteenth-century Brazil.

Vazante is bound to leave the viewer mired in thought, provoking introspection about the universality and persisting relevance of its themes. It’s a cinematic marvel that manages to wrap an intensely personal story within a historical and cultural context, using minimal dialogue, acute performances, and masterful cinematography to reel in its audience. The aptly chosen cast, the director's craftsmanship, the impressive cinematography, and the compelling narrative make this film distinctive in its genre.