Thread by @BrazilBrian

Thoughts about “Edge of Democracy”

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 ...

... 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...

@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

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

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