Reaching for the Moon
6.6/10
Rating
118 min
Runtime
2013
Release Year
Bruno Barreto
Director
Cast
Miranda Otto, Glória Pires, Tracy Middendorf, Treat Williams, Marcello Airoldi
Quick Synopsis
In 1951, Elizabeth Bishop, a reserved poet from New York, travels to Rio de Janeiro to visit her college friend Mary. There, Elizabeth finds herself overwhelmed by the vibrant and sensual atmosphere of Brazil. Mary’s partner, Lota de Macedo Soares, an outgoing and charismatic architect, contrasts sharply with Elizabeth's shy nature. Mary feels jealous of the growing connection between Elizabeth and Lota, but Lota is determined to maintain relationships with both women. Their complex relationship unfolds during the political turmoil of Brazil's 1964 military coup. Throughout this period, Elizabeth’s poetry reflects her experiences, and the film portrays this important chapter in the life of the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet.
Detailed Synopsis of Reaching for the Moon
In 1951, New York poet Elizabeth Bishop travels to Rio de Janeiro to visit Mary, a college friend. The shy Elizabeth is overwhelmed by Brazilian sensuality. She is the antithesis to Mary’s dashing partner, architect Lota de Macedo Soares. Mary is jealous, but unconventional Lota is determined to have both women at all costs. This eternal triangle plays out against the backdrop of the military coup of 1964. Bishop’s moving poems are at the core of a film which lushly illustrates a crucial phase in the life of this influential Pulitzer prize-winning poet.
