10 years of “Tattoo”, by Hilton Lacerda

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.