Why Was a Dystopian Near Future Comedy Set in the Country Formerly Known as England Titled Brazil?

Imagine a world where the protagonist dreams of adventure to escape his dreary dystopian life. It's a land of oppression and conformity, where individuals are crushed by an inhumane system. Yet, amidst the chaos, there's a sense of familiarity and irony that draws us into the narrative. The title of this near-future comedy, Brazil, holds a significant clue. It's not just a name but a symbol of a deeper significance.

The Song that Punctuates Dreams

The film's name, Brazil, is hinted at through the recurrent theme song, Aquarela do Brasil, composed by the Brazilian composer Ary Barroso. This song, originally titled Aquarela do Brasil (often referred to as The Watercolors of Brazil), is a charming and nostalgic piece that seems out of place in the dark dystopian setting. However, its presence is more than coincidental; it serves as a meta-commentary on the protagonist's attempts to escape the oppressive system.

Satire and Escape

When the protagonist is crushed by the system, he turns to his dreams for solace. These dreams, filled with adventure and escapism, are punctuated by the melody of Aquarela do Brasil. Mumbling these lyrics when reality becomes too harsh, the protagonist finds a semblance of hope and a subconscious rebellion against the system that's overtaken his life. The song thus serves as a powerful symbol of a failed dream and a form of resistance.

A Tale of Failed Dreams and Subtle Critique

The title Brazil can be seen as a nod to the country's rich cultural heritage and the composition of Aquarela do Brasil. However, it also reflects the irony of a dystopian setting being named after a land of festivities and celebration. This is a subtle critique of a modern society where dreams are replaced by cold, mechanical systems that leave no room for happiness or freedom.

Why a Satirical Comédie Humaine?

The film, Brazil, blends satire, humor, and meta-narratives. It mirrors the society that became too obsessed with bureaucracy and control, much like modern-day dystopias in literature and movies. By adopting a humorous approach, the filmmakers criticize an oppressive regime while still maintaining a layer of earnestness that makes the narrative more relatable and engaging.

Geoff Muldaur: The Voice of Resistance

In addition to Ary Barroso, another key figure in this story is Geoff Muldaur, who sang Aquarela do Brasil in a style that added an Irish flavor to the song. His rendition of the song serves as a poignant reminder that even in a surreal dystopian world, dreams and memories of a better time can be preserved and even elevated through music. This interplay with music and culture is central to the film's ability to critique and entertain simultaneously.

Araby: A Parallel from James Joyce

The title Brazil is not the only curious name in literature. In the same vein, Araby, a short story by James Joyce, also explores the theme of escape and retreat to a better world through the use of a name. In this story, a young boy dreams of a bazaar in a street called Araby, a place representing his romanticized and cherished dreams. Like the protagonist in Brazil, he turns to the idea of entering this fairytale world as a way to escape the mundane and oppressive reality of his everyday life.

Why Araby Matters

The setting of Araby becomes a symbol of the unattainable and the missed opportunities in life. Just as the protagonist in Brazil retreats to his dreams, the young boy in Araby moves towards a vision of love and wonder. However, the reality is often disappointing. In both cases, the failure to attain the dream serves as a source of both humor and tragedy, adding depth to the narrative.

Conclusion: Dreaming of a Better Tomorrow

Both Brazil and Araby share a common thread in their use of nomenclature to add layers of meaning and critique. Through names such as Brazil and Araby, the authors invite us to reflect on the dream of a better world in the face of relentless oppression and bureaucracy. These stories remind us that even in the darkest of dystopias, dreams and music can provide a silver lining, if only in our minds.