MQFF REVIEW: Reaching for the Moon (2013, Dir. Bruno Barreto)

There are many things it is difficult to take your eyes off in Reaching for the Moon (Flores raras), Bruno Barreto's exquisitely designed treatment of the unconventional relationship between American Poet Laureate, Elizabeth Bishop, and Brazilian architect and aesthete, Lota de Macedo Soares.

There's the stunning Petrópolis house, for one, set in the private garden sanctuary in the shadow of the Serra Fluminense. Then there's a mesmerising parade of furniture, art and costuming thanks to the exacting work of production designer José Joaquim Salles, set decorator Clara Rocha, and costume designer Marcelo Pies.

And on top of all that, there's the impeccable Glória Pires. As Lota de Macedo Soares, she is immense, imperiously self-assured, sensual and, well, absolutely fucking fierce. Up against Pires, Miranda Otto's Bishop looks decidedly brittle but she is just as brilliant. Otto draws a believable vulnerability out of Bishop, whose magnificent poetry really does feel like it blossoms amongst the rarefied aestheticism of the Macedo Soares enclave. I'm sure the ridiculous drama of the situation assists to some degree (there's a third wheel and a baby in the mix), though it doesn't do wonders for her alcoholism.

Behind all this, Barreto's film is a rather conservative piece of cinema. There's not much here that will offend anyone's sensibilities. It even manages to slip in some extended shampooing scenes as a substitute for actual sex. Not that the film is completely lacking on that score. There was a scene in the dining room at some stage, I think, but I can't say for sure; I was distracted by the gorgeous furniture.

It is a shame that the screenplay isn't up to the standard of the production design or the performances. Screenwriters Matthew Chapman and Julie Sayres capture enough of Bishop's magic to ensure the the dialogue is rarely wanting but they steer clear of some of the weightier questions, such as Macedo Soares' compliance with the military dictatorship that eventually took control of the country. The lack of bite doesn't sink the film entirely but it will probably hold it back from breaking out of the festival circuit.

Reaching for the Moon is the type of "tasteful" cinema that can get away with a lot, doubly so given its production design and performances. The eyes are delighted, the heart is warmed and the soul is touched. An intimate and moving period romance, and a wonderful way to wrap up this year's festival.

★★★★

Trailer:

Reaching for the Moon screened as part of the 2014 Melbourne Queer Film Festival.