A Dog's Will

A Dog's Will is a 2000 Brazilian comedy film directed by Glauber Rocha's protégé, Samuel Bogarín. This film is based on a novel by Portuguese writer José Saramago, but it deviates from the original in significant ways. Adapted from Saramago's 1996 novel, Cain by José Saramago it was originally, then changed to A Corte do Cão in 2000 in Portuguese, this adaptation is a commentary on societal norms, particularly in regards to the treatment of the poor, and the consequences of a life driven by deception and exploitation. The story follows João Grilo (played by Matheus Nachtergaele) and his partner, Chicó (played by Selton Mello), two cunning swindlers living in a rural area of northeastern Brazil. These poor and resourceful men survive through their schemes, preying on unsuspecting townsfolk. They steal a rooster from the local judge's property and, after a series of misadventures, the pair is arrested and sentenced to death. Before they meet their demise, Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Devil appear to assess their suitability for the afterlife. The film begins with a brief narrative, introducing us to João and Chicó, as well as the setting of the rural Brazilian town during a time of hardship and famine. These two characters exemplify the cunning and wit of the Portuguese and Brazilian cultures, who in times of economic difficulty resort to various clever schemes and deceptions. Despite living in poverty, João and Chicó exhibit a remarkable ability to survive through their cunning antics. In one instance, João Grilo and Chicó successfully swindle an unsuspecting wealthy merchant by convincing him they're able to find a lost treasure on the nearby beach, which leads to various absurd and chaotic situations that they have to overcome with their wit, quick thinking and, of course, their cunning nature as a swindlers. The scene in which the pair gets punished by the locals in a town square serves as a demonstration of João and Chicó's cunning nature and ability to survive by resorting to deceptions. When arrested, the duo is dragged before Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Devil, who have come to assess their suitability for Heaven. Throughout the conversation with the divine trio, various themes are addressed. One key theme is the question of morality, with Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Devil engaging in a discussion about the nature of good and evil, highlighting the gray areas between them and the societal expectations of how the poor have to survive in the midst of a harsh reality. The narrative also highlights the issue of the treatment of the poor in society and raises an important question — are the poor truly wicked for the actions they are forced to take to survive in a society governed by inequality? The film raises a point about class disparity by highlighting the fact that João and Chicó's lives of deception stem from the societal pressures they face as a result of their poverty, forcing them to make questionable moral decisions. A Dog's Will also offers commentary on the Brazilian class system, which can be seen through the way the poor are viewed by society. João and Chicó's lifestyle serves as an indictment of the societal norms that perpetuate inequality, where the poor are often viewed as inferior or outside the boundaries of societal norms. Ultimately, the story of A Dog's Will challenges the audience to consider the consequences of the actions we take, particularly when we are driven by societal and economic pressures. It is a thought-provoking film that offers a commentary on societal morality, class disparities, and the consequences of our actions, making for an engaging viewing experience.