No Quarto da Vanda (2000)

No Quarto da Vanda (2000). No Quarto da Vanda: Directed by Pedro Costa. With Vanda Duarte, Lena Duarte, Zita Duarte, Manuel Gomes Miranda. The film follows the daily life of Vanda Duarte, a heroin addict in Lisbon, and the community she lives in.

“Unsurprisingly, itu0026#39;s pretty dull in those four walls. I say unsurprisingly because when it comes to serious boredom junkies are right up there with bankers, dentists, and interpretive dancers. Just a veritable cornucopia of solipsism with its attendant staring off into space, desultory, pointless conversation, coughing (lots of that), yelling, mumbling to oneself and more staring off into space. And, if that doesnu0026#39;t get the point across, director Pedro Costa thoughtfully provides the viewer with copious shots of Lisbon slum dwelling demolition. I lasted about an hour and fifteen and would have pulled the plug sooner had it not been for some of the most perversely lovely cinematography this side of a Caravaggio or a Zurburan.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eBottom line: Next time I wish to visit Portugal vicariously Iu0026#39;ll crack open a can of sardines. C plus.”