Kleber Mendonça Filho’s “The Secret Agent” breathes on its own.
Anchored by a layered performance from a magnetic Wagner Moura, the film propels itself forward through its beating heart, carnival week in 1977 Brazil, a moment of raucous revelry in the face of military dictatorship, each of which have claimed the lives of dozens of civilians. In the chaos, political refugees dart around Brazil, fleeing to safety in the country from the fascist oppression they face from the militarized police.
Wagner Moura brings suave and cunning to his portrayal of refugee Armando, undercover as Marcelo, hoping to be able to lie low in the town of Recife with his son. However, the police are only a couple steps behind, and it’s a matter of time before the local corrupt officials figure out exactly who he is.
We spend a lot of time with Armando in this immense film, and Moura is up to the task. Mendonça knows exactly how he works and coaxes regret, passion, care and understanding out of mere glances from Moura. I had a lump in my throat in a scene of simple dialogue between Armando and his son.
On a story level, Mendonça expertly weaves mistrust and intrigue around every corner and in every alley, as the police ask too many questions. “The Secret Agent” plays like a noir and gradually unravels the mystery of who Armando really is, who is looking for him, and what he’s looking for. This certainly could come across to some audience members as sluggish pacing, and the runtime is certainly a tall order at 160 minutes. However, the world of 1977 Brazil that is created is so rich and warm that I enjoyed every moment of time I spent with these characters.
Visually, look forward to a sumptuous feast—and I’m not just talking about Wagner Moura. The production design, costume department and casting conjure a lived-in and grimy 1970s Brazil and its many players. Shot using anamorphic Panavision lenses and vintage equipment, the visual language plays very much like the blockbusters of the era, with wide boom shots and beautifully framed action and character moments that play like prime Spielberg. (“Jaws” is directly referenced with a plot point that is better experienced on the big screen, so I won’t spoil it!)
Nina Simone believed that artists had a sacred duty to reflect the times in their work. Perhaps it is out of providence, or a convenient historical parallel, but I consider it a fulfillment of Simone’s wish that Mendonça’s work on this film is receiving the release and attention in America that it deserves. I hope that the Academy will recognize it for what it is and reward it as such—a down-to-earth and diverse thriller that entertains its audience with unmatched craft while educating them on the dangers of unchecked power, crafted with extreme care and expertise by a master filmmaker.
“The Secret Agent” opens soon at Midtown Cinema.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com. Gabriel Brown serves as assistant manager at Midtown Cinema.
December Events
at Midtown Cinema
Late Night Frights
“Krampus” (2015)
Friday, Dec. 5, 9:30 p.m.
“Black Christmas” (1974)
Friday, Dec. 26, 9:30 p.m.
Saturday Morning Cartoon
“The Polar Express” (2004)
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Saturday, Dec. 13, 11:15 a.m.
“How to Train Your Dragon” (2010)
Saturday, Dec. 27, 11 a.m.
Holiday Film Series
“Gremlins” (1984)
Saturday, Dec. 6, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
Saturday, Dec. 13, 9:30 p.m.
“The Muppet Christmas Carol” (1992)
Tuesday, Dec. 16, 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 20, 11 a.m.
“Elf: Buddy’s Sing and Cheer Along Edition” (2003)
Friday, Dec. 19, 9:30 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 21, 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.
“It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946)
Sunday, Dec. 21, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 24, 7:15 p.m.
“White Christmas” (1954)
Sunday, Dec. 21, 6:15 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 23, 7:15 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 25, 7:15 p.m.
Down in Front! Comedy Riffing
“Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” (1964)
Friday, Dec. 12, 9:30 p.m.
National Theatre Live
“Mrs. Warren’s Profession”
Sunday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
“The Fifth Step”
Sunday, Dec. 28, 5 p.m.
Open Mic Night
Tuesday, Dec. 2
Tuesday, Dec. 16
Trivia Night
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Tuesday, Dec.23
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