In 1976, Brazilian jazz pianist Tenório Jr. disappeared without a trace. Decades later a music journalist, voiced by Oscar nominee Jeff Goldblum, goes in search of the truth in this colorful and musical animation.
Genre: animation, drama, history, music
Language: English, Portuguese, subtitles: English
Brazil has produced some genius musicians through the ‘Bossa Nova Wave’. This branch of jazz remains popular, but reached its peak in the 1970s. Vibrant flashbacks take us back to that dynamic, transformative era as a fictional music journalist, Jeff Harris (voiced by Jeff Goldblum), delves into the mystery of Tenório Jr. This gifted piano player released just one album, was instantly celebrated as a genius, and then vanished in Buenos Aires on March 18, 1976. Harris seeks answers through interviews with music icons such as João Gilberto and Gilberto Gil.
It was an eventful time not only for music but also for politics, as totalitarian regimes took hold across South America. In countries like Argentina and Brazil, even the free spirits of bossa nova were seen as a threat.
For They Shot the Piano Player, renowned director and Oscar-winner Fernando Trueba once again joined forces with talented artist and cartoonist Javier Mariscal.
The film takes its time to unfold but offers an immersive journey into a captivating true story, enriched by vibrant Brazilian music and thoughtful touches of political history. Its inventive animation style brings a unique visual flair, though the storytelling occasionally leans on talking heads. Still, for those who appreciate musical storytelling and Brazilian culture, this film is a must-watch!
Reviews
“A lavishly colorful, widescreen-format, animated hybrid of the music documentary, the political primer, and the “Citizen Kane“-like biography with a journalist figure as guide.”
Rogert Ebert
“Jazz and animation make for strong bedfellows in “They Shot the Piano Player,” a film from Spanish directors Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal that represents an intriguing hybrid in all sorts of ways.” Variety
SG & USE/ITEC registration
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Ticket information
This film will be shown at Filmhuis De Zwarte Doos. Buying a ticket online in advance is mandatory if you want to attend this film. You can buy a ticket by clicking on the black “order” button on this page.
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Please be on time
The screening of the film starts at 19:30 sharp (no pre-film advertisements) and the cinema hall opens at 19:10. We kindly ask you to be at the ticket counter at least 10 minutes prior to the start of the film. This is to ensure the film starts and ends on time.
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The Studium Generale film program is created in collaboration with the Student Film Committee and Natlab