About Black Orpheus

Based on the Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice, "Black Orpheus" (Orfeu Negro) is a captivating romantic tragedy film set during the madness of the Rio de Janeiro's Carnival season. The movie is a 1959 romantic tragedy directed by Marcel Camus. The film is liberally adapted from the Greek myth, shifting the story to a contemporary setting and featuring a predominantly black cast.

Plot and Summary

The film follows the passionate yet tragic love affair between Orfeus, a free-spirited samba musician, and Eurydice, a shy, innocent girl new to Rio de Janeiro. Their love is doomed from the start, as underneath the spirited celebrations of the festival lies a grim figure from Eurydice's past. The story concludes with a modern interpretation of Orpheus’s desperate descent into the underworld to reclaim his lost love.

Making/Production

"Black Orpheus" was directed by Marcel Camus and produced by Sacha Gordine. The screenplay was written by Marcel Camus and Jacques Viot. Black Orpheus was filmed entirely on location in Brazil, mainly in the Morro da Babilônia, a favela in the Leme neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.

Actors

• Breno Mello as Orpheus: An enchanting samba musician who sweeps Eurydice off her feet.
• Marpessa Dawn as Eurydice: A newcomer to Rio de Janeiro who falls deeply in love with Orpheus.
• Léa Garcia as Serafina: Spirited character who adds fun and levity to the narrative.
• Ademar Da Silva as Death: Represents the grim figure from Eurydice's past.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The film was a French production but was shot entirely in Portuguese and in Brazil.
• "Black Orpheus" utilizes non-professional actors with Breno Mello and Marpessa Dawn both making their acting debuts.
• Director Marcel Camus' feature debut and his only major success.

Awards

"Black Orpheus" is a critically acclaimed film, notable for winning the Palme d'Or at the 1959 Cannes Film Festival and the 1960 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and a Golden Globe Award for Best Foreign Film in 1960.

Quotes

• Orpheus: "I will give you my song. It is the most precious thing I possess."
• Eurydice: "I don't want to see death, even if it's death in a samba."

Music and Soundtrack

• The film's highly influential soundtrack features a score composed by Antônio Carlos Jobim and Luiz Bonfá, including the hit song "Manhã de Carnaval."
• "Samba de Orfeu" is another widely recognized tune from the film.
• The soundtrack of "Black Orpheus" played a major role in popularising Bossa Nova music around the world.