Brazilian Horror Cinema: A Journey Through the Dark Side of Brazilian Cinema

Introduction

Brazilian horror cinema is a unique and fascinating genre that has produced some of the most iconic and terrifying films in the world. From the early days of silent cinema to the present day, Brazilian filmmakers have explored the dark side of human nature and created some truly unforgettable cinematic experiences.

In this book, Eugênio Puppo takes readers on a journey through the history of Brazilian horror cinema, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global phenomenon. Puppo provides in-depth analysis of some of the most important films in the genre, including "At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul" (1964), "I Walked with a Zombie" (1943), and "The Strange Ones" (1962). He also discusses the work of some of the most influential Brazilian horror directors, such as José Mojica Marins, Glauber Rocha, and Rogério Sganzerla.

The Early Days of Brazilian Horror Cinema

The early days of Brazilian horror cinema were marked by a strong influence from Hollywood. Many of the early Brazilian horror films were remakes or adaptations of American films, such as "The Phantom of the Opera" (1925) and "Dracula" (1931). However, Brazilian filmmakers also began to develop their own unique style of horror cinema, which was characterized by its use of social and political allegory.

One of the most important films of this period is "At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul" (1964), directed by José Mojica Marins. This film tells the story of a Satanist who uses black magic to terrorize the residents of a small town. "At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul" is a powerful and disturbing film that explores the themes of good vs. evil, sin and punishment, and the power of the occult.

The Golden Age of Brazilian Horror Cinema

The 1960s and 1970s are considered to be the golden age of Brazilian horror cinema. During this period, Brazilian filmmakers produced some of the most acclaimed and influential horror films of all time.

One of the most important films of this period is "I Walked with a Zombie" (1943), directed by Jacques Tourneur. This film tells the story of a nurse who travels to Haiti to care for a woman who has been turned into a zombie. "I Walked with a Zombie" is a beautifully shot and atmospheric film that explores the themes of life and death, love and loss, and the power of voodoo.

Another important film of this period is "The Strange Ones" (1962), directed by Glauber Rocha. This film tells the story of a group of outcasts who live in a small town in the Brazilian sertão. "The Strange Ones" is a surreal and hallucinatory film that explores the themes of madness, violence, and the search for identity.

The Decline of Brazilian Horror Cinema

The 1980s and 1990s saw a decline in the production of Brazilian horror films. This was due in part to the rise of television and the increasing popularity of American horror films. However, there were still a few notable Brazilian horror films produced during this period, such as "The Embodiment of Evil" (1986) and "The Curse of the Black Cat" (1990).

The Revival of Brazilian Horror Cinema

In the 2000s, there was a revival of interest in Brazilian horror cinema. This was due in part to the success of films such as "The Devil's Rejects" (2005) and "Hostel" (2005), which were both directed by Brazilian filmmakers.

One of the most important films of this period is "The House of the Devil" (2009), directed by Ti West. This film tells the story of a babysitter who is hired to watch over a young girl in a remote mansion. "The House of the Devil" is a slow-burning and atmospheric film that explores the themes of innocence, evil, and the power of suggestion.

Another important film of this period is "We Are the Flesh" (2016), directed by Emiliano Rocha Minter. This film tells the story of a group of young people who live in a post-apocalyptic world. "We Are the Flesh" is a visually stunning and disturbing film that explores the themes of survival, violence, and the search for meaning in a world gone mad.

Conclusion

Brazilian horror cinema is a rich and diverse genre that has produced some of the most iconic and terrifying films in the world. From the early days of silent cinema to the present day, Brazilian filmmakers have explored the dark side of human nature and created some truly unforgettable cinematic experiences.

If you are a fan of horror cinema, then I highly recommend that you check out Brazilian horror cinema. You will not be disappointed.