Wednesday 19 March at 18:30

In this film, the unique universe of João César Monteiro reached one of its peaks, and at the same time had a turning-point, through the creation of his alter-ego João de Deus. The character, played by himself, is portrayed as a destitute inhabitant of the old Lisbon neighbourhoods, attracted by Schubert and younger women, who is diagnosed with dementia. With it, and despite the caricature, the provocative Monteiro’s touch only got even more provocative and indefinable, built upon a mix of the basic, down-to-earth reality and the sublime. Not rarely filmed in breathtaking shots, here the sophisticated culture meets misery, harsh social condition, fine humour and eroticism, in a way that no one could ever imitate.

Restoration

Film copy preserved by Cinemateca Portuguesa - Museu do Cinema.