O Estranho Vício do Dr. Cornélio
O Estranho Vício do Dr. Cornélio

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O Estranho Vício do Dr. Cornélio

1976
Movie
91 min
Portuguese

Cornélio, an aged man and famous baritone, marries the young Angelica, who plans with her ex-boyfriend Bruno, to kill the husband with contaminated oysters, but she ends up the one who gets sick. In the hospital, she demands Bruno's presence and he becomes a Cornelio friend, even though his continued attempts to kill the oldman.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: José Fonseca e CostaGenres: Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

Dr. Cornélio, a respected psychiatrist, harbors a dark secret: a voyeuristic obsession with his patients' intimate lives. As his professional and personal boundaries blur, his carefully constructed world begins to unravel. The film explores themes of repression, desire, and the hidden anxieties within a seemingly ordered society. His descent into his own psychological labyrinth becomes a dangerous game of observation and participation.

Critical Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its daring exploration of taboo subjects and its psychological depth. It was praised for its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and its suspenseful narrative, solidifying its place as a significant work in Portuguese cinema. While challenging, it was recognized for its artistic merit and its willingness to confront societal hypocrisies.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its psychological complexity and suspenseful atmosphere.

  • Considered a daring and provocative exploration of forbidden desires.

  • Noted for its strong performances, particularly by the lead actor.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was considered controversial upon its release in Portugal due to its explicit themes for the time.

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