Before it became Childish Gambino material and an Arcade Fire music video, Black Orpheus was a pretty good movie. The 1959 Brazilian drama was a re-interpretation of the Greek tragedy imbued with enough imagination to not simply be a blacker Orpheus. Marcel Camus’ version retains the mythical elements, but the film excels in how it makes the culture it’s situated within feel fantastical. Take a look at the carnival scene; there’s nary any editing embellishments or glamor shots. The vibrance is civilian, emanating from the sweat-soaked black bodies and the wide smiles brightening the night alongside the bulbs. Ecstasy is...
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