The film turns a decade old and has a list of (at least) 10 reasons for you to see and rewatch it!
By Eduardo de Assumpção*
The emblematic “Tatuagem” turned 10 years old and we list 10 reasons to see and rewatch the film, by Hilton Lacerda, which is fundamental within Brazilian queer cinematography. But why is the film, set in the dark period of the Military Dictatorship, and still very current, so important?
Available for streaming on Reserva Imovision and Netflix.
DEBUT DIRECTED BY HILTON LACERDA
The film marks the debut of the Pernambuco native, who had already worked on the script for the powerful “Baile Perfumado”, by Lírio Ferreira, and partnerships with Cláudio Assis, in “Amarelo Manga”, “Baixio das Bestas” and “Febre do Rato”, by behind the cameras. Here the film is entirely his, and offers his unique and poetic vision, always highlighting Recife.
PLOT
The plot involves revolution, romance, poetry and philosophy. The film, in all its libertinism, is based on jealousy and unstable relationships, while at the same time trying to control the political situation and the repression experienced at the time.
REFERENCES
It is in the small details (including Clécio’s collar with pink triangles), that the film makes countless references, both to art and literature, including that of Cordel, Cinema Novo, in some moments nods to filmmakers like Almodóvar, but above all reveres the iconic Dzi Croquettes.
SOUNDTRACK
The soundtrack, composed by DJ Dolores, is hypnotic (“A Polka do Cu” is a new classic). Furthermore, the work features songs by Caetano Veloso, Angela Rô Rô, Dolores Duran, Dalva de Oliveira, Maria Callas and the powerful “Volta”, with a beautiful participation by Johnny Hooker.
CAST
The film features impeccable performances by Irandhir Santos, Rodrigo Garcia and Jesuíta Barbosa, before becoming major film and TV stars, mixing moments of seriousness, extravagance, anarchy and humor.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT
Even if lightly, the story takes place when the Military Dictatorship is installed, but society is experiencing the echo of the sexual revolution and new family models. It is in this context that the theater group challenges norms, and does not hesitate to criticize the country’s social reality.
PRIZES
For a debut film, it has a beautiful gallery of statuettes, including Best Film at the Brazilian Cinema Grand Prix (2014), Kikito, for Best Film, in Gramado (2013), the Jury Prize, at the MixBrasil Festival, among several others, highlighting its direction, cast and crew.
FLOOR OF STARS
A cabaret and nightclub that is the stage for iconic and exuberant acts, where theater, poems, dance, philosophy and music make up subversive fun and freedom of expression censored by a feared Military Dictatorship.
RIO-SP AXIS DECENTRALIZATION
Set in Recife in the 1970s, it represents a giant milestone in Pernambuco cinema, highlighting the region’s cultural richness and inspiring other local filmmakers to explore new narratives and approaches.
CHOSEN FAMILY
At a certain point, Clécio, who already has a son from a free relationship with Deusa, goes to live in a commune with the rest of the characters. The environment becomes a scene of conflict, but it also reinforces the concept of family support, so common among the LGBT+ community.
*Eduardo de Assumpção is a journalist and responsible for the blog cinematografiaqueer.blogspot.com
Instagram: @cinematografiaqueer
Twitter: @eduardoirib
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.