Blu-ray Review: THE TWO DEATHS OF QUINCAS WATERYELL
Want to know what drink, drugs and death mean in Brazil…you’ll want to check out this week's DVD/Blu-ray release of The Two Deaths of Quincas Wateryell.
Want to know what drink, drugs and death mean in Brazilyoull want to check out this week's DVD/Blu-ray release of The Two Deaths of Quincas Wateryell. One morning, Quincas Wateryell (Paulo Jose) doesnt wake up after another night of partying in sleazy bars and brothels. When the news reaches the family he despised, his funeral looks like another humiliation for his daughter Vanda when all of Bahias high society wants to honour the man she claims left to marry an Italian heiress. But first, with her husband and uncle, Vanda must watch over the corpse in Quincas squalid hotel room, where his four best drinking buddies gather to give him the send-off he deserves. When the family members are asleep, they sneak Quincas out for one last phenomenal party. With Vanda and the police on their tale, Quincas and his buddies offbeat rampage provokes chaos and unforeseen consequences Two Deaths is a film that cant make up its mind what it wants to be. On the one hand its a relatively humorous black comedy and on the other its a cynical evaluation of class and social grouping within Brazil. Wateryells family is placed in direct social opposition to that of his group of friends. His family are characterised as highly strung and unable to enjoy the more fun elements of life, whilst his friends are shown to live a life of excess thats vulgar and brash. Both sides learn something from each other, but not before a tense rivalry over the deceased Wateryell comes to a boil. The arrogance and cold-hearted nature of the family Quincas turned his back on is offset against the loving and devoted adopted family of friends he has made since his departure. The film tackles the question of ownership after death, as both sides feel that the deceased is their property. The family are rude and condescending towards the friends, turning their noses up at them and requesting that they leave to allow the family to grieve in peace. This leads to the madcap theft of the body, as Wateryells friends decide to take him on one last tour of the towns seediest spots! The friction this causes between the two groups adds an element of tension to the narrative, but predominantly heightens the dark comedy. However, by the end of the film Wateryells death and the subsequent mixing of the two social groups within his life have a great affect on his daughter Vanda and her husband, whose previously strong marriage breaks down as both embark upon a sexual escapade with someone new. Breaking down both social and racial barriers, Wateryells death helps intertwine both of his worlds. 
Writer/director Sergio Machado has made an interesting film, but its not one that will appeal to all audiences. At times it comes across as rather tasteless, which will certainly alienate certain viewers. However, if dark comedy is something that you find appealing, The Two Deaths of Quincas Wateryell will prove a witty watch. The film certainly seems like a product of its home country, with a very Brazilian aesthetic and outlook on life, plus a very distinct acting style. Again, this is something that will certainly prove entertaining to some people and less so to others. Some characters require the actor to launch into a wholly exaggerated and extremely camp performance, whilst others are far more subdued. Either way, the film delivers some powerful performances that will certainly be memorable in more ways than one! Viewers will only find a partially interesting making of documentary and trailer as bonus material. The making of will only be of real intrigue to those who engage fully with the film, with its various interviews from source novel author Jorge Amado and others involved in the production. However, for anybody who doesnt find the film excellent, this is a distinctly average release. The Two Deaths of Quincas Wateryell is now available on Blu-ray and DVD, on which this review is based.