Ossos

Portuguese director Pedro Costa directs a profound and moving tale of despair and survival with his 1997 film, Ossos. The film features a powerful acting ensemble that includes Vanda Duarte, Nuno Vaz, and Mariya Lipkina.

Ossos is a heart-wrenching narrative situated in the bleak and impoverished underbelly of Lisbon, specifically the district of Estrela d'Africa - a shabby neighborhood located in Fontainhas. This narrative pulls out the reality of lives lived on the margins of society. The unadorned and often harsh visuals supplied by cinematographer Emmanuel Machuel complement Costa's gritty and realistic storytelling technique.

The film opens with a grim tableau – a young woman (Maria Lipkina) who has just given birth is seen trapped in the clutches of despair in her rundown room. The young woman, who remains unnamed throughout the film, epitomizes the melancholy and desperation of her milieu.

Nuno Vaz plays the role of the baby's father. He is a man who seems at loss with the world, unable to commit to responsibilities, and caught in his own spiral of misfortune. He is seen mostly wandering through the refuse-strewn alleys of Estrela d'Africa, reflective of his vagabond life, further reinforcing the plight of the characters.

Simultaneously, the narrative introduces Vanda Duarte as another character - Clara. Clara's life intersects with that of the baby's mother and the baby's father, forming a love triangle filled with complexity and desperation.

Ossos exhibits the struggles of people trying to make ends meet while fighting to preserve a semblance of human dignity amidst hopelessness. As the plot unfolds, it presents the trials and tribulations of these three characters without resorting to clichés or melodrama.

Pedro Costa's innovative approach to storytelling is evident in how he reveals the psyche of the characters subtly, letting the visual depictions do the talking. Each character embodies a facet of human despair – abandonment, neglect, incapacity, and desperation. Therein lies the relevance and strength of Ossos; its portrayal of humanity in the face of profound adversity is the sort of cinema that compels a response, leaving a lasting impression on its audience.

Costa draws attention to the socio-political realities of his country, focusing on the human dimension of poverty, thus arousing empathy rather than sympathy. The film mirrors the realities of life with harrowing precision. The dilapidated buildings, the narrow, claustrophobic lanes, the nonchalant faces of the people, and the vast expanse of the landscape are beautifully captured by the grey-blue lens of the cinematography.

In the performances, Vanda Duarte offers a standout portrayal, delivering a spirit of resilience as she navigates the contours of her character’s turbulent life. Nuno Vaz and Mariya Lipkina also give compelling performances, with their characters providing depth and perspective to the harsh realities the film presents. The performances are realistic and raw, drawing the viewer in with their authenticity and relatability.

In the universe of Ossos, snippets of joy and sorrow, despair and hope, life and death play out in the backdrop of the grim Lisbon slum. The film's strength lies in its unflinching gaze on its characters and the environs they inhabit. This is a film that doesn't shy away from showing the profound grimness and loneliness of urban poverty.

In summation, Ossos is a haunting portrayal of those who live on the fringes of society. Along with a stellar cast of Vanda Duarte, Nuno Vaz, and Mariya Lipkina, the film captures the struggle for survival in an unforgiving world, using the harsh realities of life to narrate the story. The vivid filming style effectively sets up the stark contrast to the world we live in.

Pedro Costa immerses himself and the viewer into this somber world, where the human spirit persists even in the face of unending trials. This film doesn't merely depict a story but presents an urgent and visceral commentary on social hardships. Ossos subtly reminds the viewer of the need for empathy, understanding, and societal concern. It indeed offers a cinematic experience that goes beyond mere entertainment.