Manoel de Oliveira was born into a wealthy family of industrialists. His father, who was responsible for the production of the first electric light bulbs in the country, instilled in him a fascination for new technologies. In his youth, he dreamed of acting and during the first years he played in several productions. He appeared, for example, in “A Canção de Lisboa”, the second film in the country created with sound. In addition to cinema, Manoel was also passionate about cars and took part in racing competitions. During the 1937 Grand Prix season, he competed in the International Estoril Circuit, where he took first place, driving his Ford V8 Special.
In 1940, Oliveira married Maria Isabel Carvalhais. Their marriage, which lasted almost 75 years, was based on cooperation and mutual support, which translated into creativity in creating films. Together they raised four children and their grandson Ricardo Trêpa followed in his grandfather’s footsteps, often appearing in his films.
He gained greater fame only at the age of 55!
For the first 30 years of his directorial career, Manoel was not widely known outside Portugal. Only “Acto de Primavera”, which he shot at the age of 55, brought him greater fame. It was part documentary and part narrative film depicting the annual mystery of the Passion of the Lord. Oliveira said that making the film “profoundly changed his concept of cinema” as a tool that does not simulate reality, but only represents it. And it was from this age that his career as a director took off, and his professional activity was supported by his excellent health until the end. Just look at this Charlie Chaplin dance performed by a 103-year-old!
Manoel de Oliveira is like wine – the older it is, the more appreciated it is
The second half of his long and acclaimed career earned him dozens of lifetime achievement awards at major film festivals, including two Golden Lions for lifetime achievement (in 1985 and 2004) and a Special Jury Prize for “Divine Comedy” in 1991 in Venice, and two further awards for lifetime achievement in Berlin (in 1981 and 2009). At the Cannes Film Festival he won the Jury Prize for “The Letter” in 1999, received the FIPRESCI Awards in 1990 and 1997 and the Honorary Palme d’Or in 2008.
he often emphasized that filming was a way for him to understand life and the world, focusing on reflective and philosophical topics. Like , Oliveira used life experience to enrich his films, exploring themes of old age and morality, among other things. He got better as a director as he aged, making at least one film a year from the age of eighty until his death.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
