‘Pictures of Ghosts’ Review | Kleber Mendonca Filho's documentary is an intimate ode to Recife and cinema
RECIFE, BRAZIL: ‘Pictures of Ghosts’ or ‘Retratos Fantasmas’ is a Brazilian documentary film written and directed by Kleber Mendonca Filho, a name that will stick with you after you’ve finished watching the film. Because Kleber’s vision in ‘Pictures of Ghosts’ will take on an extremely intimate journey, all the way in Recife.
‘Pictures of Ghosts’ is all about taking a peak into the days that have gone by with the help of a handful of archival footage, which is strung together to tell a story of a town, of the people, of cinema, and everything in between.
A glimpse into Kleber Mendonca Filho’s childhood
At first glance, if you look at the trailer or certain stills of ‘Pictures of Ghosts’ you wouldn’t immediately be able to pinpoint the key elements of this documentary film.
However, as soon as you begin watching it, Kleber Mendonca Filho’s mother is recognized as one of those elements. Filho’s late mother, Joselice Juca, is often seen in the first part of ‘Pictures of Ghosts.’
In addition to Filho’s mother being a key element, his childhood apartment becomes an important piece of his art, that is ‘Pictures of Ghosts,’ as it also serves as a starting point for many such core memories described in the documentary film.
The use of the childhood apartment, and footage of his late mother, truly makes ‘Pictures of Ghosts’ a personal experience, creating an intimate bond between the director and his audience.
The glaring focus on cinema
‘Pictures of Ghosts’ can be perceived in different ways, but the one poignant part of this documentary film remains the change in cinema. Here, Kleber Mendonca Filho’s focus isn’t on how movies have changed since, but more on the experience of viewing an art form.
‘Pictures of Ghosts’ is Filho’s ode to Recife, his hometown, and, the cinema.
The last part of ‘Pictures of Ghosts’ focuses entirely on cinema, despite the frequent mentions of films throughout the documentary.
If you want to know more about the cinematic history of Recife in Brazil, then ‘Pictures of Ghosts’ should be at the top of your list. Ultimately, it is Filho’s magical storytelling that takes the audience from one part to another, while still being contained in his hometown.