Plots(1)
Film follows the titular Vitalina, a woman left behind in Cape Verde when her husband leaves to find work in Portugal. Years later, she finally makes the journey to Lisbon herself but arrives three days after his funeral. Alone and isolated in her late husband's home, Vitalina is determined to persevere and confront the ghosts of the past. (Second Run)
(more)Reviews (1)
Costa brought his mesmerising style to a state of perfection. He shot this work in a somehow very non-filmic way with refined static shot compositions, reminiscent of canvases by Rembrandt or Vermeer and close to what one would see in theatre or the fine arts. At the same time, however, it is a work that cannot be more cinematic in how, through concentrated work with light, shade and offscreen sounds, it creates atmosphere, tension and expectations and controls what we see and what remains concealed from us. Between light and darkness, futility and hope, there are also outsider characters, whose artistically enthralling sketches are a substitute for the plot. Vitalina Varela is a masterpiece. 90%
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