No, vinyl will never die, which unfortunately for the environment is true on several levels. But I digress. I LOVED "Durval Discos" for so many reasons, starting with the clever opening credits that not only pulled me right into the scene but had me sighing with saudade to be back in a Brazilian city and experiencing the everyday flow of life there. Secondly there was the homage to MPB which had me feeling as reverent as the character Fat Marley when he comes across a certain LP in the bin - easily the funniest scene in the movie. That is, unless you count the one where Durval is explaining just why vinyl LPs are better than CDs, which he refuses to sell in his shop. To me, with all those classic records at his fingertips, Durval had the dream job of all time, yet his peaceful existence was about to be shattered like a brittle 78. Despite the puzzling ending, I was glad that the movie kept its edge and never descended into the "cute kiddie wins over curmudgeonly bachelor" formula. Etty Fraser is fantastic as the out-of control (would-be) grandma. See this if you get the chance!
13 Reviews
Everything has a A side and a B side
file_com_fritas17 January 2005
The director Anna Muylaert choose Durval to resume the spirit of nostalgia of people who until the 90's think that they would always live with LP'S , without the new technology of the CD.OK, this , in theory, was the theme of the movie, but the story takes the way of the madness, the way of the "non-sense", showing the wish of an old lady to have a company of a children. Although the amazing sound track,with songs of Sá e Guarabira, Jorge Ben, Toquinho e Vinicius, Tim Maia and others Brazilian music icons, the movie does not have good cinema technology details like screenplay, and the places where the movie is filmed are terrible, without any care.
Smells like Brazil, tastes like São Paulo. Tries to engage, manages to betray
vinicius_sasso7 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Whenever I watch a Brazilian movie, my mood is similar to the one I set for European movies: I refrain from expecting well-rounded satisfying rewarding finales (the famous "Happy ending"s from Hollywood) and try to expect exquisite, weird or astounding conclusions, and eventual bitter endings. Well, the movie delivers a very bitter conclusion indeed, but not in the good sense.
All the foundations of Brazilian cinema are found: a character-centered plot, actors going naturalistic and non-theatrical in any way, sounding, acting, breathing like actual people, so if there's a department Brazilian movies deliver beautifully, is this one: characters are believable and natural no matter how their pathos and designs are away from the conventional. Movies usually go through three human dimensions: the epic (grandiose, greatness), the ethic (expansive, multidimensional) and the pathetic (personal, all about subjectiveness). Durval is about the pathetic all around. No inherent problem with that: impressive movies can be made of pathos and there are examples from all over the world to reinforce my assumption. But the way this film twists didn't catch well with me.
São Paulo is a convoluted, immigrant-built city. Heavily influenced by Italian and Brazilian northeastern culture. The weird house where this movie is set is not too different from old houses of downtown São Paulo area, believe me. As many Brazilian films, it calls for a bit of the viewers' patience in its first 20-30 minutes or so, and you must give back your pace and let the movie set its own, in a typical Brazilian bargain - the idea is to give your time back with characters you feel acquainted with and want to follow. Well...the pros of this movie: this formula is successful in this movie. You will feel engages in its middle length.
But then the plot twists begin and build your best and worst expectations. My Gripe with this film is that the ending is not only not-satisfyng. It made me feel downright betrayed in my right of believing these characters deserved a bit of deep compassion. The mother's pathos dominate and suffocates the plot in a way it has no rational way back, and the ending just reinforces this notion instead of amazing me one last time subverting all that bitterness. So all that plot development, not a lot of character development - they are quite static and kind of work by nostalgia-driven lives - it shows a lot of potential, the director crafted this way very well at first. But in the end, it's all made of pain. It tried to be a very good Brazilian movie with São Paulo feelings, it almost became a great Brazilian movie, but don't expect too much: in the end, it crumbles. (Spoiler: literally so)
I suggest you guys from abroad to visit São Paulo instead. It is not bitter at all. And you will leave the city feeling rewarded by its delicious cosmopolitan and Italian food. Way better than Durval Discos.
All the foundations of Brazilian cinema are found: a character-centered plot, actors going naturalistic and non-theatrical in any way, sounding, acting, breathing like actual people, so if there's a department Brazilian movies deliver beautifully, is this one: characters are believable and natural no matter how their pathos and designs are away from the conventional. Movies usually go through three human dimensions: the epic (grandiose, greatness), the ethic (expansive, multidimensional) and the pathetic (personal, all about subjectiveness). Durval is about the pathetic all around. No inherent problem with that: impressive movies can be made of pathos and there are examples from all over the world to reinforce my assumption. But the way this film twists didn't catch well with me.
São Paulo is a convoluted, immigrant-built city. Heavily influenced by Italian and Brazilian northeastern culture. The weird house where this movie is set is not too different from old houses of downtown São Paulo area, believe me. As many Brazilian films, it calls for a bit of the viewers' patience in its first 20-30 minutes or so, and you must give back your pace and let the movie set its own, in a typical Brazilian bargain - the idea is to give your time back with characters you feel acquainted with and want to follow. Well...the pros of this movie: this formula is successful in this movie. You will feel engages in its middle length.
But then the plot twists begin and build your best and worst expectations. My Gripe with this film is that the ending is not only not-satisfyng. It made me feel downright betrayed in my right of believing these characters deserved a bit of deep compassion. The mother's pathos dominate and suffocates the plot in a way it has no rational way back, and the ending just reinforces this notion instead of amazing me one last time subverting all that bitterness. So all that plot development, not a lot of character development - they are quite static and kind of work by nostalgia-driven lives - it shows a lot of potential, the director crafted this way very well at first. But in the end, it's all made of pain. It tried to be a very good Brazilian movie with São Paulo feelings, it almost became a great Brazilian movie, but don't expect too much: in the end, it crumbles. (Spoiler: literally so)
I suggest you guys from abroad to visit São Paulo instead. It is not bitter at all. And you will leave the city feeling rewarded by its delicious cosmopolitan and Italian food. Way better than Durval Discos.
Nostalgia for the past : Not at all a children's film.
FilmCriticLalitRao27 June 2007
Durval Discos directed by Anna Muylaert is a film for those viewers who let a film to progress at its own rhythm. Although it is about a young girl,it cannot be termed as a children's film although it can be shown to young children, teenagers and youngsters.It is certainly not at all meant for non serious viewers more interested in Michael Schumacher kind of start. If ordinary viewers remain patient they will be suitably rewarded as there are numerous twists and turns related to this film's plot. One more good thing about this film is that it will surely dispel the notion that most of the films made in Brazil are violent films. Those who have seen "Alice in the cities" by Wim Wenders will be quick to recognize the common similarities related to both the films.This film is little different from the German film as in it the suspense builds slowly to ultimately result in an amazing finale. Like Rudiger Vogler in Wender's film, Ary Franca too gives a memorable performance as Durval. With "Durval Discos", admirers of Vinyl or LP or 33 tours will surely get a taste of the nostalgia for the past.
Rare Black Humored And Nostalgic Brazilian Film
Rodrigo_Amaro10 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
"Durval Records" tells the story of Durval (Ary França) the owner of a record store where he sells old vinyl records, resisting the advance of CD's. In this simply presentation of the movie reminds of "High Fidelity" but the story goes in another direction.
Living with his old mother (Etty Fraser) in a house attached to the store, he lives his days almost with no kind of sales whatsoever. One day he employs a maid (paying very cheaply of course) thinking that his mom can't take care of herself anymore. Everything's fine. But one day he discovers that the woman left a child with him and from there he and his mother will take care of her. The comedic drama turns into a nostalgic film (when Durval plays several classic records of Brazilian's popular music throughout the film) to later become a strange black humor film (after Durval finds out who is the girl and some awkward events involving his mom always wanting that the girl stays with them).
Most of the reviews here says excellent things about the film but always few things. I understand, say too much about this film isn't good enough, and it will ruin for people who really wants to see it. It's very difficult not to give away some of the mysteries of the film so I hope I haven't said too much. But I must complain of the worst review I ever read here, a prejudicial and poor review whose major complains were silly and dumb. Don't even read it!
The movie has great performances, an interesting and awkward plot twists (that might bother some viewers who are not get used to see dark and twisted comedies). The soundtrack was very good too. My disagreement is about a horse presented in the plot, something that the little girl wants it and Durval's mother buys the horse, placing him in the little house. The movie could exist without it. And director and writer Anna Muylaert could add something more at the ending, we never know what happened with some of the characters.
Here's a movie where things keeps turning over and over into some strange and freaky ways. I can truly say that it had a few things I saw it coming but for most of the film it was a enormous and good surprise. Oh and the thing I really loved about this film: it's a rare Brazilian work from the decade who doesn't contains cursing at all! Nothing against cursing, I really like it when it is used well (weird but truth) and in Brazilian's films it's a thing over the top and most of the time the actors who uses acts too much and it sounds something so phony. Take it for me, it's very rare to find a good film like this. Pay attention to the marvellous opening scene with the credits, one of the most original openings ever presented in a Brazilian film. 9/10
Living with his old mother (Etty Fraser) in a house attached to the store, he lives his days almost with no kind of sales whatsoever. One day he employs a maid (paying very cheaply of course) thinking that his mom can't take care of herself anymore. Everything's fine. But one day he discovers that the woman left a child with him and from there he and his mother will take care of her. The comedic drama turns into a nostalgic film (when Durval plays several classic records of Brazilian's popular music throughout the film) to later become a strange black humor film (after Durval finds out who is the girl and some awkward events involving his mom always wanting that the girl stays with them).
Most of the reviews here says excellent things about the film but always few things. I understand, say too much about this film isn't good enough, and it will ruin for people who really wants to see it. It's very difficult not to give away some of the mysteries of the film so I hope I haven't said too much. But I must complain of the worst review I ever read here, a prejudicial and poor review whose major complains were silly and dumb. Don't even read it!
The movie has great performances, an interesting and awkward plot twists (that might bother some viewers who are not get used to see dark and twisted comedies). The soundtrack was very good too. My disagreement is about a horse presented in the plot, something that the little girl wants it and Durval's mother buys the horse, placing him in the little house. The movie could exist without it. And director and writer Anna Muylaert could add something more at the ending, we never know what happened with some of the characters.
Here's a movie where things keeps turning over and over into some strange and freaky ways. I can truly say that it had a few things I saw it coming but for most of the film it was a enormous and good surprise. Oh and the thing I really loved about this film: it's a rare Brazilian work from the decade who doesn't contains cursing at all! Nothing against cursing, I really like it when it is used well (weird but truth) and in Brazilian's films it's a thing over the top and most of the time the actors who uses acts too much and it sounds something so phony. Take it for me, it's very rare to find a good film like this. Pay attention to the marvellous opening scene with the credits, one of the most original openings ever presented in a Brazilian film. 9/10
Tragic Kingdom
m671653 June 2003
I knew this was a movie that was supposed to start as a light comedy and get crazy along the way. But I was surprised at the madness that ensued. I left this one feeling rather weird. Some might feel it is way too heavy for comfort. It certainly dares to be different. And the music is great.
Amazing movie that will surpass your expectations
mothmanbr22 December 2005
I'm not a big fan of the Brazilian movie industry, and I rarely watch a national movie. Even more rarely I like it. But, with this movie, everything was different. Instead of saying why the movie is good and why you should watch it, I'll just describe what I felt while I watched it.
The movie started, we meet the characters, and I thought that Etty Fraser(Carmita) was terrible in acting. But, I continued watching the movie because several friends said good stuff about it.
The movie continues, and I still can't see anything special about it. It isn't bad, but it also isn't good, except for a few jokes. That's when reality seems to collapse in the movie. I find out that Etty Fraser was the best actress to play Carmita, and all sorts of bizarre stuff happen.
By the end of the movie, which wasn't the least exciting at first, I was in awe. One of the best movies I've ever seen. I felt myself forced to buy the DVD and support the creators of this movie. I felt myself forced to register here, rate it, and comment(since apparently all comments are either neutral or negative. Don't trust those). This movie didn't get the success it deserved unfortunately.
The movie started, we meet the characters, and I thought that Etty Fraser(Carmita) was terrible in acting. But, I continued watching the movie because several friends said good stuff about it.
The movie continues, and I still can't see anything special about it. It isn't bad, but it also isn't good, except for a few jokes. That's when reality seems to collapse in the movie. I find out that Etty Fraser was the best actress to play Carmita, and all sorts of bizarre stuff happen.
By the end of the movie, which wasn't the least exciting at first, I was in awe. One of the best movies I've ever seen. I felt myself forced to buy the DVD and support the creators of this movie. I felt myself forced to register here, rate it, and comment(since apparently all comments are either neutral or negative. Don't trust those). This movie didn't get the success it deserved unfortunately.
Awful: Maybe the Worst Brazilian Movie I Have Ever Seen
claudio_carvalho18 June 2004
Durval (Ary França) is a clumsy man of forty and something years, who lives in the past. He has a small business of used LP vinyl records and lives with his mother in the back of the store. She is a controller and is not a normal person, having sclerosis or some sort of mind disorder. Their lives change with the arrival of the maiden Célia (Letícia Sabatella) and her daughter Kiki (Isabela Guasco), when a great secret is disclosed.
Wow, maybe this is the worst Brazilian movie I have ever seen! I do not know whether the intention of the director-writer Anna Muylaert was to present a non-sense dark comedy, but indeed this film is very bad. The characters are not charismatic, the actors, actresses and locations are very ugly, their accent from São Paulo hurts the ears, the story is ridiculous and nothing works in this movie. Only the long original introduction of more than four minutes without cut is worthwhile. I do not understand how this movie was awarded in 2002 Gramado Festival with many prizes. My vote is two.
Title (Brazil): 'Durval Discos' ('Durval Records')
Wow, maybe this is the worst Brazilian movie I have ever seen! I do not know whether the intention of the director-writer Anna Muylaert was to present a non-sense dark comedy, but indeed this film is very bad. The characters are not charismatic, the actors, actresses and locations are very ugly, their accent from São Paulo hurts the ears, the story is ridiculous and nothing works in this movie. Only the long original introduction of more than four minutes without cut is worthwhile. I do not understand how this movie was awarded in 2002 Gramado Festival with many prizes. My vote is two.
Title (Brazil): 'Durval Discos' ('Durval Records')
Durval Discos
amccaule16 February 2007
I watched Durval Discos in my Portuguese class at my university. The dialogue was fairly easy to understand. The film begins in a lighthearted manner with rather typical characters, Durval and his mother. They lead a rather dull life until their newly hired maid disappears suddenly leaving her 5 year old daughter behind. At first the child is charming to Carmita (Durval's mother) and Durval, but later they find that the situation is not at all as it seems and the film goes from lighthearted to incredibly dark, not lacking elements of dark humor typical to Latin American cinema. I was completely surprised and could not have guessed the ending. I would suggest this to anyone interested in foreign films and Brazilian culture.
black humor and homage to Brazilian music of the 70s
bentelho25 November 2002
The plot is a simple story which develops into a bizarre tragic-comedy. For all lovers of Brazilian music, this film is a great opportunity to (re)listen some unforgettable classics of the late 60s and early 70s. The ones used to Brazilian TV will recognize comedy actresses like veteran Etty Fraser and humor star Marisa Orth. Brazil´s rock queen, Rita Lee, also appears paying a tribute to MPB, Brazil´s valuable contribution to the international music scenario.
Funny and sad: like all masterpieces
marcia-varaschin7 January 2013
This movie is a must see. At the beginning you think it will be like a regular one, but as it develops it gets really spectacular. It is funny and sad at the same time. The main character (Durval) is one of a kind. His mother is too. Some parts are so funny that you will laugh a lot.I did. And I am not a person that uses to laugh for no reason. For me, to laugh, something has to be REALLY funny. And this movie IS. But some others parts are SAD. But not so sad. So, be cool. No need for too much tears. The songs played are very good ones. The story is very well elaborated. Out of the box. Something you would never guess. Don't miss it if you have a chance to watch it. For a Brazilian film I give it a 10.
A picture of time: a movie about empathy
teban-2571627 January 2018
The movie was shot in 2002 trying to create a bound with the scenario of 1995, Brazil, São Paulo - Pinheiros. At the beginning, this movie shows a sequence that exposes the production crew relation with the local neighbourhood, exhibiting the cast titles in medias that are very particular from that neighbourhood (street signs, restaurant menus, publicity places that are very faithful with that brazilian context time).
The context is built on the transition of the LP's to Cd's as a media for music consumption, but the strong part of the film is built on characters and the environment itself.
Some people may say that the movie goes to this "nosense" direction, but It makes a lot of sense with you take it from the characters point of view.
Nowadays people may expect that every character on movies should take the most rational decision, as if they were thinking as you think (that is actually one of the main issues regarding movie critics).
The piece starts showing the environment of that particular place and time, creating gaps (indications) for the spectator to dive in that context and get empathy with characters displayed on the movie.
The scrip is very peculiar and consistent, if you look deeply you will see the retrospective of a lot of terms (speak lines) and visuals.
The soundtrack is really amusing and reaches a variety of songs that nowadays are taken as Brazilian classics (All "gringos" (foreigners) that have come to são paulo and have gone to real cultural places have heard at least a half of that soundtracks ). - yep they are really good songs even that I have never heard them live. And thats the beauty of internet, you are able to create your own listening experience without ever knowing the real characters at that specific time.
I'm really Sorry for the bad english, I just felt very indignant with the first review about this film that was displayed at my IMDB timeline from Claudio Carvalho18 - June 2004, witch was a shallow review. That motivated me on writing these words. This movie should really get way more than 6.9.
I'm really Sorry for the bad english, I just felt very indignant with the first review about this film that was displayed at my IMDB timeline from Claudio Carvalho18 - June 2004, witch was a shallow review. That motivated me on writing these words. This movie should really get way more than 6.9.
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