Movie time this afternoon and we went with Black Orpheus, newly available on Blu-Ray from Criterion.  This French/Brazilian co-production, shot entirely on location in Rio, was an international sensation when it was released in 1959 and won the Golden Palm at Cannes.  It’s easy to see why – the non-stop music and dancing, the locations, the color of Carnevale and the music of Antonio Carlos Jobim, combined with a smart adaptation of a Greek myth, warmth, humor, tragedy, it’s all in this film.

It’s a wonderful digital transfer, very clean with great color.  The Criterion edition comes crammed with bonus features, including a feature length documentary on the film’s roots and impact and an interview with noted jazz critic Gary Giddins talking about the roots of bossa nova music.

There’s also an interview from French TV from the early 60s with the beautiful Maripessa Dawn, who plays Eurydice in the film.

Just 24 years old at the time the film was made, you’d never guess that she’s not Brazilian.  Actually she was born just outside of Pittsburgh and was mixed Filipino/American.  She traveled to Europe as a teenager and decided to stay and for most of her career worked in France.  She died two years ago, coincidentally just 41 days after her Black Orpheus co-star Breno Mello died.

Share