Documentary Review
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Documentary Review: Tropicalia Music Movement
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Documentary Review: Tropicalia Music Movement
Introduction
Tropicália (2012) is a documentary film by Marcelo Machado that examines the Brazilian
artistic movement referred to as tropicália, which arose in the late 1960s as a response to the
military dictatorship's political as well as cultural repression. The movie includes archival videos
of the performers and protests of some of the most important tropicália personalities, including
Gilberto Gil, Caetano Veloso, Tom Zé, Gal Costa, and Os Mutantes. The movie also offers
historical and cultural context to comprehend the importance of and effects of Tropicáliana on
Brazilian culture and music.
Summary.
The cultural and artistic movement known as Tropicália first appeared in Brazil in the late
1960s, and its history is chronicled in the documentary "Tropicália." The film investigates the
movement's social and political background, the musical inspirations that molded its sound, and
its effect on Brazilian culture and society. The documentary provides an intriguing look into a
crucial period in Brazilian history through interviews with prominent movement members,
including Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, and archival videos of live performances (Duarte,
2021). The movie demonstrates how the musicians of Tropicália used their craft as a means of
expression and defiance against the restrictions and tyranny enforced by the government. The
movie also shows the debates and disputes that Tropicálialia sparked among the general public
and the detractors, who labeled them subversive, alienated, or disloyal. After being detained and
subjected to military brutality, Gil and Veloso fled their country in 1969, and the movie
concludes with their exile.
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Information in Context:
In Brazil, the Tropicália movement began to take shape in the late 1960s in reaction to the
political and social atmosphere of the country at the time. A military dictatorship ruled Brazil,
and there was a crackdown on any resistance or disagreement. The Tropicália movement, which
celebrated Brazilian music and culture while criticizing the status quo, was a revolt against this
tyranny. Samba, bossa nova, rock, and jazz were some of the musical inspirations used by the
Tropicália movement. With lyrics that touched on political and social problems, it combined
these sounds to create something fresh and thrilling. The movement motivated a new generation
of artists and musicians to question the status quo and work for political and social change,
having a major influence on Brazilian culture and society. Additionally, it helped popularize
Brazilian music both domestically and internationally.
Review.
The film is a skillfully produced and fascinating homage to one of the Brazilian culture's
most significant and avant-garde trends. The movie successfully captures the vibe and vitality of
the tropics as well as their significance and impact on modern politics and music. The movie
demonstrates how tropicália was both a mirror of and a criticism of Brazilian society in the
1960s, providing a rich and nuanced view of that country's complicated and contradictory reality
at the time. The movie features some of the most enduring music and acts from Tropicália,
making it both educational and entertaining.
Since I was not very acquainted with Tropicália before, I gained much knowledge from
viewing this documentary. I appreciated how objective and nuanced the movie was in its
presentation of tropicália's creative and political elements. The use of interviews, music videos,
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news stories, cartoons, and pictures to convey the tale of Tropicália was another aspect of the
movie that I found appealing. Nothing concerning this documentary bothered me because I
thought it was so well-made and entertaining. I also liked the interviews with important figures
from the movement, such as Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso, who gave interesting insights into
the music and culture of the period. Another highlight for me was watching old videos of live
concerts because it helped me understand the passion and enthusiasm of the Tropicália
movement.
The documentary's presentation of various themes and ideas without making a clear link
between them at times felt a little fragmented, which is one of the few critiques I have of it. This
was a minor quibble, and altogether, I thought "Tropicália" was a superb documentary that
anyone curious about Brazilian music or history ought to view.
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References
Duarte, P. (2021). The Tropicália-Movement and the Challenges to Brazilian Art in the Age of
Culture Industry.
AM Časopis za studije umetnosti i medija
, (26), 63-70.
https://www.ceeol.com/search/article-detail?id=1041295
(C) History Channel. (2021). Tropicália (2012) [English subtitles, HD].
YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqECmY4gZwI