CINEMA, ASPIRINIS, VAUTORES (CINEMAS, ASPIRINS AND VULTURES)

Brazil, 2005, 99 minutes, Colour.
Peter Ketnath, Joao Miguel, Hermila Guedes.
Directed by Marcelo Gomes.

A small film based on the stories of the central Brazilian character, Ranulpho Gomes. The setting is 1942 in the drought-stricken outback of Brazil’s northeast.

A young German who left his fatherland to avoid war travels the countryside selling the newly developed aspirin, showing film commercials in town squares to eager viewers and buyers. He gives lifts to people along the way, especially Ranulpho who wants to get to Rio for a new life but who works as Johann’s assistant, sharing stories, friendship and minor adventures. These are interesting, sometimes comic and take audiences to an unfamiliar terrain.

Radio reports Nazi submarine activity against Brazilian ships and by August, Brazil declares war on Germany and its allies. Johann and Ranulpho have to make decisions as to what they will do. Johann goes with transit workers to the rubber plantations of the Amazon. Ranulpho heads for Rio.

Audiences who encounter this film will not be sorry if they see it.

1. A small entertaining film? Interest in theme? Characters?

2. Brazil, the north-east, the drought, the outback? Isolated, the roads, the towns, trucks, trains?

3. The 1942 setting, Germany and World War Two, Brazil not yet entering into the war, the submarines attacking Brazilian ships? The final entry into the war?

4. The atmosphere, the cinema style, the bleached colour, the naturalistic photography? The musical score?

5. The film as a road movie, the succession of episodes, the truck, the characters, interactions?

6. The title, the focus on movies, people’s response to the outdoor movies? The impact of movies – especially for advertising? Aspirin, its development, sales? In remote areas?

7. Johann and his driving, alone, his having travelled the world, on the boat, settling in Brazil? Leaving Germany because of the troubles in the 30s? His job, the films, sales? As a person?

8. Picking up people, the young girl, the older woman? The effect of people on him?

9. Ranulfo, his type, his range of stories, talk, play, his staying with Johann, paying his way? Helping with the screenings? Saving Johann when he was bitten by the snake?

10. The screenings, the impact on people, their response?

11. The men in the town, buying, the meal? Sexual encounters?

12. Each character and his understanding of the other, the basis for the friendship?

13. The radio, music, news, information about the war?

14. Johann, his documents, getting rid of them, being an anonymous person in Brazil, the decision to go to the Amazon? Hiding at the railway station, getting on the train, leaving the keys of the car to Ranulpho? His future?

15. Ranulfo, his never having been to Rio, his helping, his getting the truck – and setting out for a new life?

16. An example of small-budget Brazilian film-making and its impact?