The Strange Case of Angelica 2010
Directed by
Manoel de Oliveira
Made by
Cinema Guild
Plot Summary
In Portugal during the year 2000, a young Sefardic photographer named Isaac finds himself renting an apartment in a modest guesthouse run by Senhora Justina in Peso da Régua. One stormy night, his sleep is abruptly interrupted by a wealthy family requesting his urgent help: they seek to capture the final portrait of their beloved daughter, Angélica, a young woman who tragically passed away shortly following her wedding.
Upon reaching Quinta das Portas, Isaac is met with the somber atmosphere of a family deeply grieving the loss of Angélica. While exploring one of the chambers, he is struck by the breathtaking beauty of Angélica herself. At that moment, as he adjusts the focus of his lens, she seems to momentarily come back to life, offering him a mysterious wink and a smile.
The following day, Isaac resumes his intended project of documenting the old-world techniques employed in the local vineyards, paying special homage to the so-called “earth diggers.” However, the enchanting image of Angélica continues to haunt his thoughts, leaving him besotted by her memory. He finds himself in a relentless pursuit of her ethereal essence, captivated by the series of ghostly apparitions that ensnare his heart.
As time passes, the photographer spirals into exhaustion, becoming increasingly disconnected from his surroundings and his once-vibrant social life. Eventually, he succumbs to an inexplicable fate, lost in the enchanting yet tormenting ghost of Angélica.
Timeline
Isaac Moves to Portugal
In the year 2000, a young Sefardic photographer named Isaac relocates to Portugal. He rents an apartment in a modest guesthouse run by Senhora Justina, marking the beginning of his new journey.
The Nighttime Request
One stormy night, Isaac's sleep is disturbed by a wealthy family seeking his assistance. They urgently request his help to capture a portrait of their recently deceased daughter, Angélica.
Arrival at Quinta das Portas
Isaac arrives at Quinta das Portas, where the atmosphere is heavy with grief. The family is mourning Angélica, and the somber mood sets the stage for the haunting journey he is about to undertake.
Angélica's Ghostly Appearance
While exploring one of the chambers, Isaac encounters the breathtaking beauty of Angélica. As he focuses his lens, she seemingly comes back to life, momentarily offering him a wink and a smile, leaving him enchanted.
Back to Photography
After his encounter with Angélica, Isaac refocuses on his photography project, which involves documenting the traditional techniques of local vineyards. However, the haunting image of Angélica lingers in his mind.
Haunted by Memories
As days pass, Isaac becomes increasingly besotted by the memory of Angélica. He finds himself longing for her presence, captivated by the ghostly apparitions that seem to follow him.
Isolation Sets In
Isaac begins to withdraw from his social life, becoming disconnected from friends and the vibrant world around him. The enchanting image of Angélica consumes his thoughts and energy.
Spiral into Exhaustion
Isaac's relentless pursuit of Angélica's essence leads him to a state of deep exhaustion. He is relentlessly haunted by visions of her beauty, which affects his mental and emotional wellbeing.
Loss of Reality
As the obsession deepens, Isaac struggles to distinguish between reality and the ghostly images of Angélica. His grip on the present weakens as he becomes increasingly absorbed in his visions.
Inexplicable Fate
In the end, Isaac succumbs to an inexplicable fate, lost in the enchanting yet tormenting ghost of Angélica. His passion for capturing beauty ultimately leads him into a realm where the living and the dead intertwine.
Characters
Isaac
Isaac is a young Sefardic photographer characterized by his artistic passion and sensitivity. His infatuation with the ghostly figure of Angélica leads him into a spiral of obsession and despair, highlighting his intense emotional depth and vulnerability. As he documents the vineyards, he also grapples with the haunting presence of a love that transcends death.
Senhora Justina
Senhora Justina is the warm yet melancholic owner of the guesthouse where Isaac stays. She embodies the spirit of the place, offering a glimpse into the local culture and traditions. Her presence serves as a stabilizing force amidst the chaos of grief that envelops the family mourning Angélica.
Setting
Time period
2000
The story takes place in the year 2000, a time marked by a mix of modernity and traditional values, particularly in rural settings like Peso da Régua. This period reflects a shift in societal norms and the intertwining of contemporary life with the haunting memories of the past, as represented by Angélica's legacy.
Location
Portugal, Peso da Régua, Quinta das Portas
The film is set in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal, particularly the tranquil town of Peso da Régua, known for its scenic vineyards along the Douro River. Quinta das Portas, the family's estate, serves as a haunting backdrop, filled with memories and the lingering presence of Angélica. The atmosphere is both somber and enchanting, reflecting the themes of grief and permanence.
Themes
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Loss and Grief
The movie explores the theme of loss through the mourning of Angélica by her family and Isaac's obsession with her memory. Grief manifests in various ways, from Angélica's ghostly appearances to Isaac's descent into isolation. This emotional turmoil highlights the struggle between holding onto memories and moving forward.
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Art and Obsession
Isaac's journey as a photographer serves as a metaphor for his obsession with capturing beauty and the ephemeral nature of life. His pursuit of Angélica’s essence represents a deeper search for meaning and connection, blurring the lines between the living and the spectral. This theme emphasizes the powerful impact of art on the human experience.
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