Glauber Rocha: The Living Thought

A Revolutionary Visionary

Glauber Rocha was a Brazilian filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor who is considered one of the most important figures in the history of cinema. His work is characterized by its political and social commentary, its innovative use of cinematic techniques, and its unique blend of documentary and fiction.

Rocha was born in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil, in 1939. He began making films in the early 1960s, and his first feature film, Barravento (1962), was a critical and commercial success. The film tells the story of a group of fishermen in a small Brazilian village who are struggling to survive in the face of poverty and oppression.

Rocha's subsequent films continued to explore themes of social injustice, political corruption, and the struggle for liberation. His most famous works include Black God, White Devil (1964), Earth in Trance (1967), and Antonio das Mortes (1969). These films are all considered to be masterpieces of Brazilian cinema, and they have had a profound impact on filmmakers around the world.

A Radical Aesthetic

Rocha's films are characterized by their radical aesthetic, which is often described as "Third Cinema." Third Cinema is a term that was coined by Rocha and other Latin American filmmakers in the 1960s to describe a new kind of cinema that would be independent of the Hollywood studio system and would focus on the social and political realities of Latin America.

Rocha's films are often visually stunning, and they make use of a variety of innovative techniques, such as long takes, jump cuts, and freeze frames. These techniques are used to create a sense of urgency and to draw attention to the social and political issues that Rocha is exploring.

A Political Voice

Rocha was a vocal critic of the Brazilian government and the United States, and his films often reflect his political views. His work is often seen as a call for revolution, and it has been praised by many for its ability to inspire and motivate.

Rocha's films have been banned in several countries, and he was even arrested and tortured by the Brazilian government. However, he never gave up on his work, and he continued to make films until his death in 1981.

A Legacy of Influence

Rocha's work has had a profound impact on filmmakers around the world. His films have inspired a new generation of filmmakers to tell stories about the social and political issues that matter to them. Rocha's work is a reminder that cinema can be a powerful tool for change, and it is a testament to his genius that his films continue to be relevant and inspiring today.

Why You Should Read Glauber Rocha: The Living Thought

Glauber Rocha: The Living Thought is a comprehensive and insightful study of Rocha's life and work. The book is written by Robert Stam, a leading scholar of Latin American cinema, and it provides a detailed analysis of Rocha's films, as well as his political and social thought.

Glauber Rocha: The Living Thought is a must-read for anyone interested in Latin American cinema, Brazilian history, or the history of cinema in general. The book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and filmmakers alike, and it is sure to inspire and inform anyone who reads it.

Order Your Copy Today!

Glauber Rocha: The Living Thought is available now from all major booksellers. Order your copy today and start exploring the work of one of the most important filmmakers of the twentieth century.