Masked Myth In Black Orpheus

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In the movie Black Orpheus, the masked skeleton represents the anti-hero in the film as he represents Hades, King of the underworld. As reference in the introduction of the piece, Euridyce has ran away from home because she believes this man was going to kill her (Black Orpheus). She has fled to a favela where her cousin lives as a Carioca and she arrived just in time for carnival where sambas will be preformed (Black Orpheus). It also appears the man she was fleeting from has followed her as he confronts her prior to the celebration and plays on her fears (Black Orpheus). Later at carnival, the Euridyce discovers the masked skeleton is there and he soon chases her (Black Orpheus). By utilizing this character the film connects the myth to the …show more content…

Orpheus learns what has happened and searches for Euridyce in a hero capacity. However, he does not realize she is hanging onto a power line as he turns it on and she is electrocuted (Black Orpheus). Once the ambulance arrives the mask skeleton hitches a ride which represents Hades taken Euridyce to the underworld (Black Orpheus). This adaptation in the film changes how a Euridyce is sent to the underworld in comparison to the myth. Another modification made in the film is Orpheus attempts to retrieve Euridyce. According to the myth Orpheus plays his music and Hades releases Euridyce to him on the condition he will not look back as he brings her to the surface (Orpheus and Eurydice). The film shows Orpheus witnessing a religious ceremony and Euridyce speaks to him through an elderly women who has her received her spirit (Black Orpheus). At this point the film maker reverts back to the myth where Orpheus is told not to look back. However, he does and in doing so loses Euridyce forever

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