O Bem Amado: A cinematic representation of humor,populism, and death in Brazilian politics

The theatrical play O Bem Amado is based on a tragic and comical Brazilian reality: the way politicians plot their interests, without regard for their voters’ well-being. Populist and eccentric, the protagonist Odorico Paraguaçu embodies gestures, spoken gags, unfilled promises, and other typical characteristics of Brazilian politicians. This article analyzes how the most recent cinematic version of the play staged a character who was born in the 1960s, became a television soap opera hit in the 1970s, starred a movie in the 2000s, and comes back to life in every election period. We intend to make clear that much of what was criticized in Brazilian politics then is still very much alive today. The characteristics that make Odorico laughable are described in the article and are the same ones that highlight aspects of Brazilian political culture, all played out in a lighthearted comedy of manners spiced with political satire. This article introduces the latest version of O Bem Amado with some important background information. Based on scenes extracted from the film, popular comedy is portrayed as an opportunity for the public to take revenge, through mockery, of those who take advantage of their public position in favor of private interest. The article also explores added dimensions of the most recent version, brought on by new technological aspects added when the story was adapted for the big screen.