Cláudio Assis is no stranger to controversy – his previous two films, Amarelo Manga and Baixio das Bestas shocked film-goers with its in-your-face imagery and outrageous characterisation. While his latest offering doesn’t exactly fall short in its frankness, “A Febre do Rato” [Eng. Title: Rat Fever] is an altogether more celebratory film.
Storyline:
Zizo, a radical and anarchist poet living in a marginal quarter of Recife in the north eastern state of Pernambuco, distributes his social angst-filled thoughts through a publication named Febre do Rato, and spews poetry to anyone who’d listen. Dazed in stupor and having a penchant for older women, Zizo is happy young man with a loyal following among his unconventional friends, until he meets Eneida, a beautiful young woman who inspires but also frustrates him, for her reluctance to agree to sex, even though she’s comfortable having fun with others. It becomes apparent that her love for him is more than physical, and his, close to devotional. We also observe the antics of his friends, and how they all form part of the fabric of the city. The film’s climax culminates in the centre of the city on independence day, when Zizo performs a demonstration that’s stopped by police.
The film is essentially an ode to the city of Recife itself (“a kiss in the mouth”, as the director puts it); to liberty, freedom of expression, and inclusiveness. What makes this film a winner is the positive message and heartfelt performances by all the cast and crew, and I mean ‘all’. Every one had laid their trust on Assis by giving themselves to the project. Irandhir Santos gives a convincing performance as Zizo, and is ably matched by the rest of the main cast in the film. Besides, almost everyone also appear in the nude at some point, including the veterans. The DVD extras state that they also had a problem with the local police while shooting some public scenes, which was thankfully resolved in an amicable manner.
The black and white cinematography is noteworthy with some impressive tracking shots made from unusual angles, but nothing here is embellished or tarted up. And yet it is fresh and full of vitality – with fine screenplay and characterisation, we learn to love them despite their flaws. The film is also aided by a funky and seductive soundtrack. To add a touch of authenticity, the verses used in the film is from a popular local poet who himself goes by the name of Zizo, also appearing in a cameo. Assis will no doubt have gained wider acceptance through this film, strong imagery notwithstanding. This may be a naughty rat, but it is charming in its own way – Highly Recommended Viewing..!
The Nudity: Maria Gladys, Mariana Nunes, Victor Araújo, Hugo Gila, Juliano Cazarré, Nanda Costa, Irandhir Santos, Conceição Camaroti, and Tânia Granussi
Well – let’s say most of the main cast appear nude at some point in the film.
Cláudio Assis’ drama “A Febre do Rato” aka “Rat Fever” features several scenes of nudity from most of its main cast, including Irandhir Santos, Nanda Costa, and Mariana Nunes.
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Compilation: Irandhir Santos, Nanda Costa, Mariana Nunes, and almost everybody
This is one of those rare ‘classics of nudity’ that come by once in a while; featuring nudes both male and female, young and old, pretty and past-their-prime – it’s a celebration of the human body, warts and all! 🙂
Cláudio Assis’ drama “A Febre do Rato” aka “Rat Fever” features several scenes of nudity from most of its main cast, including Irandhir Santos, Nanda Costa, and Mariana Nunes.
Scene Guide:
- Zizo is sexually drawn towards older women, much to the puzzlement of his friends. Here, he is with Stella Maris, a married middle aged woman played by veteran actress Maria Gladys. Zizo is very well played by Irandhir Santos.
- Classic scene – It is easy to see why feisty Rosângela would need no less than three lovers. Played by an athletic and ridiculously sexy Mariana Nunes, which makes her ‘total’ frankness all the more stunning. Her friends are played by Juliano Cazzaré, Victor Araújo, and Hugo Gila.
- Zizo is smitten by the gorgeous Eneida at a party. They strike a rapport, but not enough to fulfil Zizo’s sexual urges. In the scene though, she photocopies bits of herself for Zizo to enjoy. Eneida is played by the beautiful and talented Nanda Costa – vaguely reminding us of a young Maria Schneider (Last Tango in Paris) sans the attitude, of course!
- No nudity, but a lot more implied – while conversing with Zizo in a boat, Eneida wants to head back to the shore for a pee. Zizo somehow persuades her to pee in front of him, promising her that he will only look. I’m not sure if the act was for real, but it’s convincing all the same. 😀
- While rejecting Zizo’s advances, Eneida certainly doesn’t seem to mind now and again a bit of fun with his friends though – here with Boca Mole (Juliano Cazzaré), and Rosângela, in an implied threesome.
- Eneida, turned-on by Zizo’s verse.
- A demonstration by Zizo in the centre of town draws cheers, and also the police, who abruptly end proceedings, but not before Zizo, Eneida, Rosângela, and a handful of others strip naked in public. The woman with the sunglasses is Tânia Granussi, a transsexual, playing one, without necessarily being exploited, which makes the film all the more appealing.
- Eneida, friends and family toast to the memory of Zizo when he disappears.
Download Links:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
(All parts required – unpack with Winrar)
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Awesome recommendation rabbit!
I can’t wait to watch the full movie.
As ever, thanks a million……….!!!
I am already downloading the ful movie. Can’t wait!
Thank your very much for this video. Great work!
that black and white looks really artistic to me
The pee scene is real.
Is it just your opinion or is it from an authoritative source?
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Here’s the source:
Thanks Marcus.
You see, green tea has its uses you know..! 🙂
Nice interview – for those who don’t know how to use page translation, Ms. Costa comes out as one driven professional, transforming into the character she plays, willing to expose her body in public, even reassuring the director, who was rightly concerned for her image as a principal actress, and any imperfections like cellulite that might appear in the final take. She’d told him, “Go ahead, this is a real body”. Good on her, I’d say.
Of course, it really helps that she’s also extremely easy on the eye, reminding one of a young Maria Schneider, as I’d already pointed out.
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