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Thoughts about “Edge of Democracy”
1) So much criminality. Everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
No, that’s pretty much it.
1) So much criminality. Everywhere. EVERYWHERE.
No, that’s pretty much it.
ok, a few other thoughts...
2) I'm reminded again how brilliant Lula is. Agree or disagree w/ his policies, he is sophisticated, well-spoken, emotionally intelligent. Insistence he is "dumb" or "illiterate" have always struck me as Brazilian class-ism at its worst
(Yes, I also agree he's capable of being deeply cynical and manipulative. These things are not mutually exclusive - in fact they are probably related.)
3) Dilma also comes across as likable. I covered her daily as reporter for 5 years and... rarely saw this. My theory was always that she was overwhelmed by presidency, didn't know how to lead, and was terrified 98% of the time - and lashed out. The movie also reinforced that.
4) The movie's biggest villain - even bigger than Temer or Moro - is "The Market," which allegedly turns against PT after Dilma criticizes high interest rates & therefore threatens their profits
There's a little truth to this, but Costa (like Dilma?) doesn't really seem to ...
There's a little truth to this, but Costa (like Dilma?) doesn't really seem to ...
... understand economics. Lula had great start w/ fiscal policy but started to lose control amid global crisis & then Dilma just lost all discipline. Investors stopped investing, unemployment rose... That's not conspiracy, it's just a market economy...
5) The fetishization of Car Wash & its protagonists. AQ played a role in this and - yes - our Jan 2016 "Corruption Busters" cover makes a cameo in the film. I have extended thoughts on this & will publish more soon when our next print issue comes out in July
6) This is petty but I really wish Petra had deviated from her “bleak BBC documentary voice” at least once
7) Finally...
In his review today, @JoelPinheiro85 complains the film portrays "the tragic history of Lula-hero who was obligated to cede to corrupt practices of old politics to take forward an inclusive agenda for the country."
But I think that's exactly what happened...
In his review today, @JoelPinheiro85 complains the film portrays "the tragic history of Lula-hero who was obligated to cede to corrupt practices of old politics to take forward an inclusive agenda for the country."
But I think that's exactly what happened...
@JoelPinheiro85 ... that the PT, with participation from other parties, modified and expanded a system that had existed... forever... and was turbocharged by commods boom... while also doing things that improved & bolstered Brazilian judicial system... a contradiction that ended in tears
Like all narratives that fit into a single tweet, it's more complicated. But that's what I've thought for years, and the film reinforced that & added to narrative.
It's excellent, very much worth seeing if you've followed this tragedy in 7 acts called Brazil of the 2010s
It's excellent, very much worth seeing if you've followed this tragedy in 7 acts called Brazil of the 2010s
Addendum to 3)
Was also struck by how Dilma seemed to confront her fate with dignity, humor, and barely suppressed outrage. You can be *very* critical of her presidency but also admire how she carried herself at the end
Was also struck by how Dilma seemed to confront her fate with dignity, humor, and barely suppressed outrage. You can be *very* critical of her presidency but also admire how she carried herself at the end
I’ve said this elsewhere but let me elevate here: Yes, the film is pro-PT. No doubt. Watch it with that in mind - but you can still enjoy the amazing access and thoughtful meditations on Brazilian politics and history
