GEOG110: World Regional Geography Prof. Brian Cacchiotti Section 002, 004 Fall 2009 Film Assignment 02 Central Station (Central do Brazil) Our second film… Central Station (Central do Brazil) (1998) Walter Salles, director. Marcos Bernstein & João Emanuel Carneiro, writers. Starring: Fernanda Montenegro, Vinícius de Oliveira & Marília Pêra. This is our first foreign language film. It is set in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and as such is in Portuguese. It can be a bit difficult to watch a film in a different language as you must both pay attention to the cinematography and the acting while also reading the subtitles. And while this film does offer an English language option, I am choosing to have us watch the original version as it captures better the emotions of the characters and the authenticity of the moment. You may have not ever watched a foreign film before… typically they differ from more mainstream Hollywood films in that there is less emphasis on action and violence, and you are much more likely to not finish with an and they lived happily ever after ending. I urge you to try and not become distracted by either the slower pace (at times) or the addition of subtitles… instead sit back, relax and immerse yourself in the sounds and visions that director Salles has chosen to present in his portrayal of life in an ever urbanized Brazil. Remember that this is an artistic creation and that it is a work of fiction. This is not a documentary… but it does show us a glimpse into this world, and from this glimpse I hope you can find some insights into the world of Dora and Josué… and the many people that they represent. Hopefully, this film will bring many of the lessons you have read and we have discussed in class into better focus and allow you to se how they play out at this human scale. I am counting on you to find some of the connections between the film and your readings and class lectures in order to answer the questions below. The Assignment: You should watch the film in class, or consequently you might watch it in the library or rent it (NetFlix) and watch in private (or just to see it again.) You should be watching it, not for entertainment purposes (although I do hope you enjoy it), but for signs of South American culture. You will write a response (2-3 paragraphs ) where you will address one of the following questions. Response: After watching the film, you are required to write a response to .ONE . of these questions: 1. Over-urbanization is a huge problem for Central and South America. What are some of the examples you can see in the film that show over-urbanization in action? How do the characters in the film respond to these problems? What specifically are the results of these problems… to the characters, the Central Station and to society in general? 2. The rural-to-urban transition is a serious situation in Central and South America. The film actually follows this journey in reverse… with Dora and Josué moving from the city into the remote regions of Brazil. What are some of the differences between the urban and the rural cultural experience? Be sure to include examples from both the film and your readings. How do these differences affect the two main characters in our film? 3. The informal economy is clearly evident in the Central Station. Describe how this economy seems to “work” in the Central Station: who is working? What kinds of jobs? What sorts of lifestyle, security, and/or opportunities for wealth or better life exist in this world? What role does Mr. Pedrao play in this world, and how does this compare with life in the formal economy? You will submit a printed copy (with Name and Assignment Title) to me. DUE in class on Friday, October 9, 2009 . The Internet Movie Database: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0140888/ .