‘Behind Closed Doors’ examines Brazil’s descent into authoritarianism following Institutional Act No. 5, juxtaposing archival propaganda with recorded statements from the military dictatorship. The documentary critiques the facade of unity presented by state narratives, though its stylistic choices become repetitive and it misses a chance to link historical abuses to current governance under Jair Bolsonaro.
In December 1968, Brazil’s military dictatorship convened a secret meeting that resulted in Institutional Act No. 5, which revoked the civil rights of dissenting citizens. This act led to widespread forced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. While the meeting’s recordings were kept classified for years, they have recently surfaced, prompting João Pedro Bim’s documentary to juxtapose these revelations with contemporaneous propaganda newsreels, thus shedding light on the dark realities of dictatorial governance.
The archival footage featured in the documentary portrays an illusory image of prosperity, with depictions of marching soldiers, modern buildings, and patriotic citizens. Accompanying these visuals are the cold, calculated statements made by high-ranking officials during the clandestine meeting, which explicitly outline plans to curtail democratic freedoms. This stark contrast renders the previously smiling faces in the propaganda film disturbingly grotesque when viewed in light of their sinister intentions.
Bim’s film aims to dissolve the misleading narrative propagated by the state by contrasting official accounts with the hidden abuses of power. Techniques such as freeze frames, time lapse, and jump cuts are employed to challenge the state’s portrayal of unity and harmony, creating a distancing effect that heightens the viewer’s awareness of the juxtaposition between the facade and reality.
However, these stylistic elements, while intriguing, risk falling into repetition as the film unfolds. The initial surprise of the juxtaposed sounds and images diminishes, leading to a sense of predictability. Furthermore, the film could have benefited from a more explicit commentary on the parallels between past authoritarian tactics and the strategies used by Jair Bolsonaro’s current administration, representing a potential missed opportunity to connect historical and contemporary issues.
In summation, ‘Behind Closed Doors’ effectively explores Brazil’s authoritarian past by revealing the chilling implications of Institutional Act No. 5 through archival footage and official recordings. The documentary’s artistic techniques enhance the viewer’s understanding of the contrast between state propaganda and the reality of oppression. However, the repetition of stylistic elements and the lack of connection to present-day politics lessen its impact, suggesting that a direct comparison could have enriched the narrative significantly.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
