Bourgeoisie and Cinema: The Vera Cruz Case

Introduction

In her book "Bourgeoisie and Cinema: The Vera Cruz Case," Maria Rita Galvão offers a fascinating and insightful look at the history of Brazilian cinema, focusing on the rise and fall of Vera Cruz Studios, one of the most important film studios in the country's history. Galvão argues that Vera Cruz was a product of the country's changing social and economic landscape, and that its decline was due to a combination of factors, including the rise of television, the changing tastes of Brazilian audiences, and the increasing influence of foreign film companies.

The Rise of Vera Cruz

Vera Cruz Studios was founded in 1949 by a group of wealthy Brazilian businessmen who were interested in promoting Brazilian culture and identity through film. The studio quickly became a major force in Brazilian cinema, producing a number of critically acclaimed films, including "O Cangaceiro" (1953), "Rio 40 Graus" (1955), and "Black Orpheus" (1959). These films were not only popular in Brazil, but also gained international recognition, helping to put Brazilian cinema on the map.

The Decline of Vera Cruz

Despite its early success, Vera Cruz Studios began to decline in the late 1950s. A number of factors contributed to this decline, including the rise of television, the changing tastes of Brazilian audiences, and the increasing influence of foreign film companies. Television became increasingly popular in Brazil in the 1950s, and this led to a decline in movie attendance. Brazilian audiences also began to prefer foreign films over domestic films, and this further eroded Vera Cruz's market share. Finally, the increasing influence of foreign film companies made it difficult for Vera Cruz to compete.

The Legacy of Vera Cruz

Despite its decline, Vera Cruz Studios left a lasting legacy on Brazilian cinema. The studio's films helped to shape Brazilian identity and culture, and they continue to be celebrated today. Vera Cruz also helped to launch the careers of some of Brazil's most famous filmmakers, including Glauber Rocha and Nelson Pereira dos Santos.

Conclusion

"Bourgeoisie and Cinema: The Vera Cruz Case" is a valuable contribution to the study of Brazilian cinema. Galvão's book provides a detailed and insightful look at the rise and fall of Vera Cruz Studios, and it offers a nuanced understanding of the complex social and economic forces that shaped Brazilian cinema in the mid-20th century. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian cinema, Latin American history, or the intersection of culture and politics.

Why You Should Buy This Book

"Bourgeoisie and Cinema: The Vera Cruz Case" is a must-read for anyone interested in Brazilian cinema, Latin American history, or the intersection of culture and politics. Galvão's book is a well-researched and engagingly written account of the rise and fall of Vera Cruz Studios, one of the most important film studios in Brazilian history. This book is a valuable addition to the literature on Brazilian cinema and is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers.