The Secret Agent
The Secret Agent. One of the most artfully told stories I've seen in a long time. So very South American. Some really great narrative tricks/technics. A couple of takes on the A Stranger Comes To Town story style that weave together. A+ acting all around, some just beautiful performances. Great end credits, knowing it's an international film with actors not generally known outside South America they title everyone with a quick shot of their scene; smart and cool. They really create a thoroughly believable late 70s Brazil feeling. It all feels right from the first frame of a ripping old yellow VW Bug in a lonely dirt lot gas station. Photography is spot on. Beautiful sweaty frames of Northern Brazil. Rich deep color and lovely little effortless camera moves. Kleber Mendonça Filho is a great visual and actors director. Dude is a great storyteller. There's an uplifting sadness to this that pulls you in and holds you. Wagner Moura, great, great actor. I started this with the idea of just saying GO AND SEE THIS. Got a little wordy as I do. If you can read subtitles, go see this. Highest Recommendation. Saw it bootlegged somewhere.