“Behind Closed Doors” is a documentary that reveals Brazil’s military dictatorship’s brutal actions following the issuance of Institutional Act No 5 in 1968. By juxtaposing propaganda newsreels with recorded discussions from a secret meeting, it exposes the deceptive nature of the regime. While the film critiques state narratives effectively, it could enhance its impact by drawing clearer parallels to contemporary authoritarian tactics seen under Jair Bolsonaro’s government.
In December 1968, Brazil’s military dictatorship convened a confidential meeting, which resulted in the issuance of Institutional Act No 5. This decree severely restricted civil rights and ushered in a violent era characterized by forced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings. Although the meeting was recorded, the tapes only became public in recent years. João Pedro Bim’s documentary, “Behind Closed Doors,” effectively juxtaposes these recordings with propaganda newsreels, revealing the deceptive nature of dictatorial governance.
The archival newsreels present a misleading portrayal of prosperity and unity, showcasing images of marching soldiers, modern architecture, and fervent patriotic displays. Accompanying these visual representations, statements made by high-ranking officials during the meeting methodically outline the strategies to curtail democratic freedoms. Viewed anew, the cheerful faces adorning the propaganda films acquire an unsettling grotesqueness, underscoring the discord between the official narrative and the reality of oppression.
The film critiques propaganda’s function as an intellectual sedative, offering a necessary detox through the stark contrast of state narratives and secret abuses of power. Bim enhances this visual critique by employing techniques such as freeze frames, time lapses, and jump cuts, which effectively undermine the illusion of unity fostered by the state. This manipulation of continuity reveals the fractures within the portrayal of societal harmony.
While the film captivates viewers, the repetitive nature of its stylistic choices may diminish impact as it progresses. The sound and image pairs evoke decreasing novelty. Furthermore, a clearer connection to the recent authoritarian tactics deployed by Jair Bolsonaro’s administration could have enriched the narrative, highlighting the similarity between past and present political strategies.
“Behind Closed Doors” offers a compelling examination of Brazil’s descent into authoritarianism through the interplay of historical propaganda and recorded government discussions. It illustrates the stark contrast between the state’s constructed image of unity and the brutal reality of oppression. Despite its innovative presentation, the documentary could have benefitted from a more direct connection to contemporary political issues, further emphasizing the ongoing relevance of its themes.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
