Trinta

Trinta is an intriguing Brazilian drama film that was released in the year 2014. Located in the vibrant sphere of the world of Carnival, this film showcases a vivid display of the finest cultural exhibition, interspersed with human emotions and struggles. It enjoys a robust star cast with the likes of prominent actors such as Paolla Oliveira, Matheus Nachtergaele, and Milhem Cortaz.

Trinta was directed by Paulo Machline, who has employed a delicate and sensitive approach to tell a story that effervescently depicts the heart and soul of a complex society. Written by Machline, Claudio Galperin, Déa Ferraz, and L.G. Bayão, the film's script is woven with multiple layers of pure honestly that uncover both the celebrations and challenges of the way of life of its protagonists.

Acting as the backbone of this moving film is the flashback narrative of the life lived by trailblazing costume designer Joãosinho Trinta. This portrayal of an individual of great cultural significance is played brilliantly by Matheus Nachtergaele. Joãosinho Trinta was a man ahead of his times, who challenged traditional norms and dared to imagine a world of cascading colors and outlandish ideas of depiction. His life is an exhilarating mixture of vivacious expressions, complex experiences, and personal evolution moving parallel to the ups and downs of the society he lived in.

Matheus Nachtergaele delivers a performance that beautifully encapsulates the essence of his character, showcasing a range of emotions from the ecstatic fills of celebration to the painful depths of heartaches. His portrayal of Trinta is nothing short of captivating, and he is ably supported by the rest of the cast.

The talented Paolla Oliveira as Salete offers a mesmerizing portrayal of a character who is both delicate in her feminine charm and strong in her determination to live life according to her terms. Milhem Cortaz, who plays Armando provides a compelling depiction of a man who is complex, entangled in his own world, and a vital part of Trinta's journey.

The film takes the audience on a journey through time, with the cultural changes of Trinta’s lifetime serving as an enticing backdrop. Trinta’s struggle to create art from adversity echoes in the detailed depiction of his skill and grit. The viewers are led across different stages of Trinta's life, each one offering a new perspective and painted with broad strokes of reality. Portrayed are the challenges faced by a gay man in society, his conquests, and heartbreaks, the importance of standing up for his convictions, and the resilience to withstand external pressures.

The movie brilliantly sets the ambiance and mood of the times, detailing the cultural significance, diversity, the political climate of different eras, and the humanity of its people. It beautifully captures the artistry of Samba, the nuances of the vigorous dance and music, the fascination of designing costumes, and the pure joy of the festive season of Carnival.

The technical aspect of the movie is indeed praiseworthy. Cinematography by Gustavo Hadba is exquisite, capturing the raw and vibrant beauty of the Rio Carnival along with the emotions of the characters. The narrative is further highlighted by the enthralling music composed by Ivo Meirelles and Gabriel Moura, which seamlessly merges with the setting to produce a holistic ambient experience.

The movie artfully explores themes such as freedom, self-expression, societal acceptance, and the struggle to evolve and push boundaries, serving as a metaphor to the non-conforming life led by Joãosinho Trinta. It's a vivid observation of the spectrum of human emotions: joy, pain, love, ambition, desire, and self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a nation that's filled with music, dance, and cultural transformation.

Steeped in culture and authenticity, Trinta is a celebration of humanity, artistry, and resilience. It is, indeed, a snapshot into the world of Joãosinho Trinta and a deep dive into the intrinsic elements of Brazilian culture. It holds a mirror to the society of the past, the challenges it faced, the victories it celebrated, and the path it paved for the future. The film serves as a sublime tribute to an extraordinary life lived by an extraordinary man. It not only offers an intriguing character study but also provides an immersive cinematographic cultural experience.