The Foreign Eye (2006)

The Foreign Eye Poster
Original Title: Olhar Estrangeiro

Fantasies and clichés about Brazil and Brazilians as reinforced by international films, even those actually shot in Brazil. This documentary features interviews with non-Brazilian directors, writers and stars who have been involved in some of those films.

Introduction
"The Foreign Eye" is a 2006 documentary film directed by Lúcia Nagib. The documentary explores the image of Brazil as portrayed by foreign filmmakers from worldwide. It analyzes the foreign perception of Brazil's natural beauty, culture, and social problems through the lens of global cinema.

Introduction
"The Foreign Eye" effectively explores how Brazil's significant landscapes, vibrant cities, and diverse population have actually mesmerized the creativities of foreign film directors. The film exposes how Brazil, with its contrasting elements of wealth, poverty, beauty, and decay, has been presented in the eyes of global filmmakers. The documentary includes in-depth interviews with noteworthy foreign directors, revealing their personal point of views about their experiences shooting in Brazil.

Analysis
The movie discovers how various worldwide filmmakers showcase the exoticism, eroticism, violence, and social oppressions typically connected with Brazil. By piecing together clips from numerous foreign movies set in Brazil, the documentary provides a photo of Brazil as seen through 'The Foreign Eye'. The subjectivity and ensuing distortion in the portrayal of Brazil become starkly visible and offer perspective on the nation's representations in world movie theater.

Interviews
The movie includes interviews with acclaimed directors like Wim Wenders, Agnieszka Holland, and Roman Polanski who offer informative commentary on their movies that were shot in Brazil, and their individual experiences and impressions while shooting those films. Through their stories, the viewer is offered a glance into how these popular directors view Brazil, and how their perceptions formed the representation of the country in their films.

Analysis
"The Foreign Eye" critically examines how Brazil has often been stereotyped or glamorized by foreign filmmakers. Common themes include the portrayal of shantytowns or favelas, the carnivals and samba, the enthusiasm for soccer, and the sensational beaches of Rio de Janeiro. The documentary explores how these stereotypes, while hinting at components of truth, have actually come to dominate global movie theater's representation of Brazil, forming the world's understanding about the nation.

Conclusion
"The Foreign Eye" is a thought-provoking documentary that concentrates on the fascination and fixation of worldwide filmmakers on Brazil as an unique location. Through the usage of movie clips and interviews, it explores the story of how Brazil is painted and viewed in international cinema. It concludes with a ramification for the viewers to critically evaluate these narratives and question the authenticity of these representations.

In general, the documentary offers an unique view of Brazil through worldwide movie theater, reflecting the deep intricacies and contradictions that constitute the nation. It manages to raise interesting concerns about the power and influence of movie theater in shaping collective images and perceptions about cultures and societies worldwide.

Top Cast

  • Michael Caine (small)
    Michael Caine
    Self
  • Jon Voight (small)
    Jon Voight
    Self
  • Philippe de Broca (small)
    Philippe de Broca
    Self
  • Philippe Clair (small)
    Philippe Clair
    Self
  • Hope Davis (small)
    Hope Davis
    Self
  • Zalman King (small)
    Zalman King
    Self
  • Gérard Lauzier (small)
    Gérard Lauzier
    Self
  • Greydon Clark (small)
    Greydon Clark
    Self
  • Larry Gelbart (small)
    Larry Gelbart
    Self
  • Charlie Peters
    Self
  • Robert Ellis Miller (small)
    Robert Ellis Miller
    Self