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Cutting Heads

Name: Cutting Heads
Director: Glauber Rocha
Released: 1970
Duration: 94 min

Representation Score

6.5/10

Good

1970

Director

Glauber Rocha

Runtime

94 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Glauber Rocha’s work serves as a powerful tool for post-colonial deconstruction. By centering Afro-Brazilian and indigenous identities, the film dismantles Eurocentric perspectives and replaces them with a localized, reality that reflects multiple aspects of identity. The film excels in its critique of capitalism, colonialism, and religious hegemony, using ritual and mythic ability to act to challenge established social orders and Western institutional power. However, the narrative lacks specific representation for LGBTQ+ identities and disabilities, focusing instead on broader socio-political and spiritual themes.

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Category Breakdown

Does Cutting Heads have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film focuses on class struggle and colonial power, using surreal imagery to challenge social norms but without explicit LGBTQ+ characters driving the plot.

How does Cutting Heads portray gender?

Good

Women are portrayed through revolutionary struggle and cultural symbolism, challenging conventional views of women as passive recipients of history.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Cutting Heads?

Excellent

The film centers Afro-Brazilian and indigenous experiences, using cultural motifs to deconstruct the colonial gaze and move these communities to the forefront.

How does Cutting Heads represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The story emphasizes Afro-Brazilian spiritual practices and religious syncretism, presenting a pluralistic view of spirituality as a critique of Western hegemony.

Does Cutting Heads include disability representation?

Minimal

There is no significant representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities in the film, which instead focuses on socio-political and spiritual themes.

Present on Screen

Reclaims Afro-Brazilian and indigenous identities effectively.
Deconstructs the colonial gaze and Western hegemony.
Uses religious syncretism and pluralistic spirituality skillfully.
Challenges traditional gender hierarchies through mythic ability to act.

Limited or Absent

No explicit LGBTQ+ characters or non-assuming gender matches what was assigned at birth identities.
No representation of physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

In a castle, somewhere in the Thirld World, Diaz is delirious, dreaming of the power he had in Eldorado, while oppressing the indians, workers and peasants. He is well aware of the menace his old victims represent, while a miracle-making shepherd fascinates and frightens him. Diaz finds a countrywoman, symbol of purity, and prepares a ceremony in his castle resembling his own funeral.

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