Black Orpheus (1959)

Synopsis of Black Orpheus

Black Orpheus (Orfeu Negro) is literally what its title suggests: a retelling of the "Orpheus and Eurydice" legend enacted by black performers. This time the setting is the annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Orpheus (Breno Mello) is a streetcar conductor; Eurydice (Marpessa Dawn) has just jilted her lover and is attempting to escape his wrath. Orpheus himself falls in love with Eurydice, whereupon her ex-lover, disguised as the Angel of Death shows up and kills Eurydice. To reclaim his lost love, Orpheus enters "Hell" (the Rio morgue) and uses supernatural methods to revive the dead girl. A multi-award winner on the international film scene, Black Orpheus features a samba musical score by Luiz Bonfa and Antonio Carlos Jobim. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

107 mins

Director(s):

Marcel Camus

Writer(s):

Marcel Camus, Jacques Viot

Producer(s):

Sacha Gordine

Categories:

Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Independent Films, Romance

• 1959 - Cannes Film Festival - Palme d'Or

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