Prime Video recently released “Música” (Rudy Mancuso, 2024), marking the debut of the director who initially gained prominence through videos on Vine, the now-defunct predecessor of TikTok, before transitioning to YouTube and live-action projects. This film represents a significant milestone not only for Mancuso but also for its groundbreaking portrayal of Brazilian immigration in the US. It underscores the growing demand for Latinx representation in the US entertainment industry and the importance of diversifying storytelling. Rather than homogenizing the experiences of Latinos or expecting one production to resonate universally across the diverse Latino community, 'Música' advocates for embracing the richness of unique microcosms and experiences that authentically reflect different groups within the community, particularly in our media-driven society.
In 'Música,' Mancuso seizes the opportunity to weave subtle commentaries throughout the film. For instance, in a scene where the protagonist joins Hailey's family for a meal, a striking visual contrast emerges: Hailey's family and their home are bathed in white, while Rudy dons’ black attire, visually marking him as the 'black sheep.' Whether as an immigrant in the US or a Brazilian navigating the US entertainment industry, this choice underscores his unique position. Ironically, while the other characters seem to blend into the background, Rudy is explicitly singled out as the outsider, facing probing questions about Brazil and Latin generalizations with the maid from Guatemala.
"Música" is a coming-of-age film intertwined with Mancuso's memoir. Through the lens of a Brazilian immigrant living in the Ironbound neighbourhood and a recent graduate with synaesthesia, the audience is invited into a unique universe. Let's explore the Brazilian essence within it.
The story unfolds in Newark, New Jersey, a city boasting a significant Brazilian immigrant population and serving as a hub for various opportunities in work, education, community engagement, and cultural diversity, evidenced by its plethora of restaurants, businesses, and cultural events. Consequently, Brazilian Portuguese emerges as the dominant language in the film. However, despite this setting, there's a notable lack of linguistic accuracy; the characters lack regional accents, giving the impression they originated from a dubbing studio rather than the expansive 8.51 million square kilometres. Brazil is a melting pot of cultures, each contributing their unique regional accents, sociolects, and generational idioms. Moreover, contemporary initiatives aim to revitalize indigenous cultures through the digitalization of languages, myths, and traditions.
While the incorporation of Portuguese with English reflects an authentic aspect of immigrant experiences, there are instances where the protagonist expresses emotions using English phrases such as 'I’m sorry' and swearing with 'shit.' As an immigrant, this feels somewhat inauthentic, particularly when apologies are directed toward someone who shares the same maternal tongue. Additionally, the use of English interjections, like 'shit,' may aim to add colour and emotion to the language, enhancing the speaker's expression of feelings.
In 'Música,' Brazilian women are portrayed without objectification, a refreshing departure from the colonial-era fantasies perpetuated by foreign admirers. While media often perpetuates erroneous stereotypes, this film refrains from such portrayals. However, it does depict Brazilian women as beautiful caregivers, subtly reinforcing traditional gender roles and fails in the Bechdel test.
Rudy's synaesthesia serves as a gateway for the rhythm and musical numbers in 'Música.' On one hand, this blend, coupled with clever editing, adds to the film's uniqueness. On the other hand, it reinforces the notion of Brazilian Portuguese musicality, as perceived by English ears. Additionally, the stereotypical image of Brazil revolves around Carnaval, parties, and music.
In addition, 'Música' incorporates elements of everyday Brazilian life. This includes explicit representations such as props like caipirinhas, fresh food, coxinha, rice, and beans. Indirectly, the film incorporates samples based on Brazilian rhythms, ranging from Carioca funk to Samba and Pagode. Furthermore, themes of solo motherhood and immigration without proficiency in English reflect aspects of Brazilian reality.
Overall, through ups and downs, Mancuso stands as the Brazilian pioneer in the American mainstream, a beacon. He has laid the groundwork for exploring the diverse fauna and flora within Brazil and even Latin America. However, there are still many stories waiting to be unearthed and cultivated.
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