You are here:

Intermissions

Name: Intermissions
Director: João Moreira Salles
Released: 2004
Duration: 117 min

Representation Score

8.5/10

Excellent

2004

Director

João Moreira Salles

Runtime

117 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Intermissions offers a sophisticated, observational study of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during his 2002 presidential campaign. It moves beyond traditional political hagiography to explore the human anxieties inherent in the transition of power. The film provides a nuanced, non-Western perspective on democratic mechanics. It avoids celebratory clichés, focusing instead on the tension between individual ability to act and institutional constraints. While deeply rooted in the socio-political context of the Global South, the film centers on a single political figure, limiting its demographic representation.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Intermissions have LGBTQ+ representation?

Fair

The film does not specifically address LGBTQ+ identities. It centers on a presidential campaign without highlighting LGBTQ+ themes.

How does Intermissions portray gender?

Fair

The film focuses on the masculine-dominated world of high-level political campaigning. However, it subtly challenges traditional male stereotypes by showing the personal vulnerabilities of a male leader.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Intermissions?

Good

By centering on Lula, the film addresses the racial and class dynamics of Brazil. It highlights the ability to act of a leader representing a shift in traditional power structures.

How does Intermissions represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film challenges Western-centric views of governance by featuring a leader from a non-elite background. It explores the complexities of political ability to act within a transformative movement.

Does Intermissions include disability representation?

Fair

There is no indication that disability or neurodivergence are central themes or character arcs in this documentary.

Present on Screen

Provides a nuanced, non-Western perspective on democratic mechanics.
Highlights the personal vulnerabilities of a political leader.
Explores the complexities of leadership and systemic change.

Limited or Absent

Focuses heavily on a masculine-dominated political sphere.
Lacks explicit engagement with LGBTQ+ narratives.
Does not address disability or neurodivergence as central themes.

Official Synopsis

Intermissions follows Lula during the hectic election campaign for the presidency in 2002. Lula gave filmmaker João Moreira Salles and his crew complete access, and the result is an intimate documentary of what went on behind the scenes. Sometimes, Lula is afraid that he will lose his freedom as president. Combined with Lula's candor, the film's observational style provides some very special insight into one of Brazil's most popular leaders.

How are these scores produced? →