TL/DR –
The movie “The Secret Agent” by Mendonça involves a shark washing ashore with a human leg found in its stomach and the city police chief, Euclides, conducting an investigation with his two sons. Disappearances of individuals, including a student, are making the news, hinting at a grim backstory, and forming part of the movie’s plot. The film, set in the era in which Mendonça grew up, captures the fashions and music of the time without losing sight of the brutal misrule associated with them.
A Real Shark with a Human Leg Washes Ashore in Brazil
Amidst Carnaval celebrations, a real shark containing a human leg, the film’s MacGuffin, washes ashore, prompting the city’s chief of police, Euclides (Robério Diógenes), to investigate. Euclides is accompanied by his police officer sons, Arlindo (Ítalo Martins) and Sérgio (Igor de Araújo) to an oceanography lab. Euclides’ motive to suppress the findings becomes evident as two hitmen, a stepfather (Roney Villela) and stepson (Gabriel Leone), are operating in the town with police approval, disposing of bodies in the sea.
Brazilian Media Reports Disappearances Despite Censorship
Despite censorship, the Brazilian press reports disappearances, including that of an unseen student for several days, linked to the dismembered victim found in the shark. The student is the subject of an article appearing in the film’s second part, “Identification Institute”, referring to a government office where Marcelo, now neatly dressed, begins his job arranged by a sympathizer (Buda Lira). Marcelo hopes to uncover mysteries in his family background through this role. However, Euclides unsuspectingly befriends Marcelo, while also consorting with the hitmen.
Mendonça’s Cinematic Tribute to Recife’s Past
The movie’s director, Mendonça, who hails from Recife and has centred his feature-film career on the city, dives into its politics and power dynamics. His most accomplished film yet, “The Secret Agent”, set in the era of his childhood, skillfully balances memory, research, aesthetic imagination, and political conscience. Period-specific elements like Marcelo’s yellow Volkswagen Beetle and manual typewriters under plastic dust guards serve both stylistic and narrative purposes.
Mendonça’s Filmmaking Teems with Precision and Tension
In “The Secret Agent”, Mendonça meticulously orchestrates suspenseful scenes of concealment and evasion, revealing harrowing details with pinpoint accuracy. His filmmaking is filled with eccentric details that resonate with thematic significance. A poignant scene involves a telegram sent by Marcelo being opened before its intended recipient (Marcelo Valle) receives it.
Paranoia Permeates the Film
Paranoia subtly infuses the film, evident in the vigilant behaviour of characters at risk. This is especially noticeable in a scene where Marcelo meets Elza (Maria Fernanda Cândido), who informs him of a death threat. The film also explores the lives of others living under suspicion, including a safe house resident reminiscing about her politically charged past.
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