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France, Portugal · 2012
1h 35m
Director Manoel de Oliveira
Starring Michael Lonsdale, Claudia Cardinale, Jeanne Moreau, Leonor Silveira
Genre Drama
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A young man named João has been missing for 8 years, and his father Gebo is slowly losing himself in his business documents as a result of his anguish. Gebo’s wife Doroteia and João’s wife Sofia pester Gebo for news of João’s return, but his constant evasiveness seems to suggest he is hiding something.
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
Mr. Oliveira relishes the formality of conversation, and there is great pleasure to be found in listening to the actors and watching the small adjustments of posture and gesture that accompany their words.
Gebo and the Shadow is a film about concrete, hard, and material things, as well as one about illusions.
Though perfs and dialogue remain somewhat theatrical, the combined acting prowess of the trio ensures the emotions are heartfelt.
Slant Magazine by Jesse Cataldo
It defines Manoel de Oliveira's late period, during which his movies have continued to shrink in size and scope while remaining thematically expansive.
The Hollywood Reporter by Neil Young
De Oliveira evokes the suffocating, stultifying confines of the family dwelling all too convincingly, to an extent that requires considerable indulgence and attention from his audience. This investment is duly repaid in the second half.
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