The World of Movies: The Gaze of the Stars
Written by Rachael Crawley
The World of Movies is a series that explores global cinema, drawing on films from many countries, industries and eras. This week, we discuss hidden truths in Mozambique.
The Gaze of the Stars.
May contain spoilers.
Content warning : This film contains references to, and portrayals of, domestic violence.
After a week off for technical difficulties – RIP my laptop – we are back with this short film from Mozambique. The Gaze of the Stars (João Ribeiro, 1997) observes the problems of society through the eyes of a young boy, as well as his uncle, who carries a complicated past of his own.
Young Betinho (Tobias Sigauque) listens to his uncle Salomão (João Manja) and his friends discussing one question – “Where is Julia?” – which leads to another – “Why do women get beat?” The men offer a series of reasons, but come to no conclusion. Later that night, unable to sleep, Betinho brings up the subject again. Julia, it transpires, is Salomão’s lost love. Betinho cannot meet her, and as the film continues, we slowly learn why. In the meantime, Betinho begins to notice how some of the women around him are treated.
The movie is wise to shy away (for the most part) from scenes of drama and confrontation. Its slower pace and quietly elegant score, along with frequent scenes of neighbourhood life in between the main story, create a calm, ordinary-life atmosphere that forms a great contrast to the serious topics being discussed. No scenes are wasted, however. Even as Betinho does his daily chores and meets people around the town, he is absorbing information about the world he lives in. When the conflict begins to ramp up, it makes it that much more powerful.
The Gaze of the Stars.
Manja is excellent as the strict but dutiful uncle, yearning for the days of his past. His pain is evident, but he is doing his best to hold himself together and provide a home for his nephew. Sigauque matches him perfectly. As a mainly observational character, it would be easy for him to fade into the background, but his screen presence is strong enough that he can hold his own.
The Gaze of the Stars attempts to tackle a question that is perhaps unanswerable, and it does not really come to a conclusion. Distilled in the form of one story from one town, however, it emphasizes the importance of questioning, and the possibility of change. The bond between Betinho and his uncle offers a glimpse of a hopeful future, even in the face of deeply ingrained problems. It can be a difficult watch. However, its adept filmmaking and moving story make for a finely constructed short film.
Rachael Crawley holds a Master's Degree in Film and Photography Preservation and Collections Management from Toronto Metropolitan University, and has worked with film in Canada and in Europe. She adores language and cinema, and how these subjects interact with each other.