Awarded and recognized internationally, Walter Salles is one of Brazil’s most renowned directors. Son of Walther Moreira Salles, founder of Unibanco (later merged with Itaú), the filmmaker is back in the limelight with his new film “I’m Still Here”.
Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s autobiography of the same name, “I’m Still Here” follows the true story of Eunice Paiva, played by Fernanda Torres. In the plot, Eunice changes the direction of her life when her husband, politician Rubens Paiva (Selton Mello), is kidnapped by the military dictatorship.
A critical and commercial success, “I’m Still Here” raises hopes that Brazil will win its first Oscar. The film has a good chance of being nominated for best international film and Fernanda Torres is considered for best actress.
Taking advantage of all this success, how about exploring Walter Salles’ career a little? Next, take a look at the director’s major fiction features, ignoring his extensive output of shorts and documentaries. At the end of the text we summarize which of these titles are available for viewing online.
Walter Salles: discover other films by the director of “I’m still here”
The Great Art (1991)
The first fiction feature film directed by Walter Salles is “A Grande Arte”. Based on the novel of the same name by Rubem Fonseca, the film is a Brazilian thriller with foreign co-production.
This can be seen in the cast, which includes Brazilian and international stars. The American Peter Coyote is the protagonist of the film, which also includes Tchéky Karyo and Amanda Pays in the international cast. Raul Cortez and Giulia Gam are some of the Brazilian names.
The plot follows American photographer Peter Mandrake, who learns the art of knife-wielding from a professional killer to avenge the death of his friend and the rape of his girlfriend.
Not available in streaming.
Foreign Land (1995)
Filmed in black and white, “Terra Estrangeira” represents a milestone in the recovery of Brazilian cinema after cuts to incentives by the Fernando Collor government.
Walter Salles co-directed the film together with Daniela Thomas, with a cast consisting of Fernando Alves Pinto, Laura Cardoso, Luís Mello, Fernanda Torres and Alexandre Borges.
In the plot, Paco’s mother dreams of returning to her homeland, but, after losing her savings in the Collor government’s confiscation, ends up dying, shaken by the news. Without money, Paco decides to fulfill his mother’s wish on his own and agrees to make a suspicious delivery to Portugal.
Netflix and Globoplay (standard plan with advertising).
Central Brazil (1998)
One of the major works of Walter Salles’ career is the internationally acclaimed “Central do Brasil”. Fernanda Montenegro is the protagonist of the film with an appreciated performance, which earned her the Silver Bear for best actress at the Berlin Film Festival and an Oscar nomination.
The film also won the Golden Bear for best film at the Berlin Film Festival and was awarded best foreign film at several ceremonies, including BAFTA, Golden Globe, National Board of Review and Satellite Award.
This “road movie” tells the story of the friendship between a middle-aged retired teacher and a boy who has lost his mother.
Netflix and Globoplay (standard plan with advertising).
The First Day (1998)
This film is a production commissioned by the Franco-German television network Arte, which invited ten directors from different countries to tackle the end of the century.
Walter Salles co-directed the film with Daniela Thomas, with a cast that includes Fernanda Torres, Luiz Carlos Vasconcelos, Matheus Nachtergaele, Nelson Sargento and Tonico Pereira.
Set in the last moments of December 31, 1999, the plot follows the unexpected meeting between a prison escapee and a woman abandoned by her husband.
not available in streaming.
Shattered April (2001)
The drama “Shattered April” is based on the Albanian novel “Prilli i Thyer”, by Ismail Kadare.
Rodrigo Santoro is the protagonist of the film, in the role of a young man encouraged by his father to avenge the death of his brother, murdered by a rival family in a feud that has been going on for generations. The plot is set in the Brazilian hinterland in 1910.
not available in streaming.
Motorcycle Diaries (2004)
With an international co-production, “The Motorcycle Diary” is a biographical road movie that portrays the journey and memories of Che Guevara at the age of 23.
The plot follows the motorcycle journey across South America taken by him and his friend Alberto Granado in 1952. Gael García Bernal plays Ernesto Guevara.
not available in streaming.
Black Water (2005)
An American production, the horror “Black Water” is a remake of a 2002 Japanese film. The cast includes Jennifer Connelly, Tim Roth and John C. Reilly.
The plot follows a mother, in the midst of divorce proceedings, who moves with her daughter to a new apartment. However, strange events begin to occur at the site, such as mysterious noises and continuous leaks of black water.
not available in streaming.
Passing Line (2008)
Another film that Walter Salles co-directed with Daniela Thomas was the Brazilian drama “Linha de Passe.”
The plot follows four brothers from the suburbs of São Paulo, raised only by their mother, who works as a maid. Marked by the absence of a father figure, one of them sees football as an opportunity to improve his life.
rent and buy on Amazon Prime Video, Youtube Filmes and Apple TV.
On the Road (2012)
An American production, “On the Road” stars big names such as Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, Sam Riley, Alice Braga, Amy Adams, Elisabeth Moss, Kirsten Dunst and Viggo Mortensen.
The film is a road movie adapted from Jack Kerouac’s 1957 novel, “On the Road.” The plot follows an aspiring writer who embarks on a series of trips across the United States with a charismatic guy and his wife.
Telecine.
Which Walter Salles films are available online?
Check out our roundup with only Walter Salles films available to watch online:
The post Walter Salles: Discover more films from the director of “I’m Still Here” and where to watch them online appeared first on Olhar Digital.
Source: Olhar Digital
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
