Tyger

Brazilian culture, in my opinion, is so successful internationally because it combines both native and foreign elements to produce something completely new. Brazilians seem to have the skill to take another culture and make them their own.

Thanks to Paul for sending this. Brazilian filmmaker Guilherme Marcondes made a short film based on William Blake's poem The Tyger. Set in Sao Paulo, the film uses Brazilian elements and characters (the soccer stadium, the guys drinking at the boteco, the woman's behind on the TV) and blends them with the themes in the poem. The explanation behind the film is worth a read. Check out the film yourself:

I thought it was beautiful, weird, and very cool. The only thing I don't like is being able to see the puppeteers, but maybe an artsy-er person can explain the significance of their appearance.

Comments

[Dennis]

Wow, loved it! Thanks for posting this.

[markuza]

That was a great video. I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is about modern Brazilian art (including animation) that I like, and I haven't been able to do it so far. Probably I should just show people this video and let it do the explaining.

I saw another play here in Brazil that used that same technique with the visible puppeteers- in that case, they were making a jointed doll play capoeira. Once I got past the people being right there, I was taken by how lifelike the movements were, and how well the puppeteers worked together to make one figure move. I have no idea if this technique is of Brazilian origin- but like you say, the Brazilians are brilliant synthesists!

[Joann Neufeld]

From the Japanese tradition of Noh and Kabuki Theater, the black attired puppeteers remind you of the human presence and scale (and maybe even the power behind the cause)of the Tyger. The human presence contrasts with the graphic animations, which are all transformed by the Tyger's passing. It gave me ideas for my young filmmakers. Thanks!

[mallory elise]

whoa. that's a creepy yet really awesome movie, ahk! I always hated William Blake, his poems never made sense to me in high school. ESPECIALLY this one, i actually remember doing the tyger, you know in those high school "poetry readers" books. blaa. but since, i dunno, i've started to like the abstractness of poetry a lot more. but im kinda opposite with you on this one--seeing the puppeteers i thought was the best part! i love the glowing flowers that, erm, grow in all the scenes. very emo. hehe. good post :)

[Steven]

Loved it -- thanks! (And I'm one of those high school teachers who is about to teach the poem!)