Tropicália

Marcelo Machado’s epic documentary centers on the decisive, inspiring music of Caeteno Veloso and Gilberto Gil but radiates beyond, showing the way the Brazilian musical genre crossed over with theater, cinema, poetry and politics, and embodied both intense social and spiritual idealism and rock-star-style hedonism and commercial ambition. An intoxicating blend of biography, performance and cultural history, Tropicália may finally connect Brazil’s fabulous musicians, who enjoy a worldwide following, with the American audience they’ve deserved. –Telluride Film Festival