Cutting Heads 1970
"A revolutionary parable by Glauber rocha"
Brazilian master Glauber Rocha's 1970 historical drama *Cutting Heads* unfolds inside a decaying castle nestled in a fictional Third World landscape, where a once-mighty tyrant named Diaz spirals into hallucinatory visions of his lost dominion.
Director: Glauber Rocha
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cutting Heads (1970) about?
The film follows Diaz, a fading tyrant haunted by memories of his brutal reign over a mythical Eldorado. As his victims gather at the edges of his crumbling castle, a supernatural shepherd's influence deepens his paranoia, culminating in a surreal funeral rite that mirrors his own downfall.
Who directed Cutting Heads?
Glauber Rocha, the visionary Brazilian filmmaker renowned for his politically charged cinema and pivotal role in the Cinema Novo movement.
Who stars in Cutting Heads?
The cast is led by Francisco Rabal as Diaz, with Pierre Clémenti as the enigmatic shepherd, alongside Marta May, Rosa Maria Penna, and Emma Cohen bringing the oppressed villagers to life.
Is Cutting Heads (1970) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *Cutting Heads* remains a cult gem for fans of arthouse cinema and political allegories. Its dreamlike intensity and sharp social commentary make it a provocative experience for those seeking more than conventional narrative—just be ready for a challenging, visually hypnotic ride.
How long is Cutting Heads?
The film runs for 94 minutes.
About Cutting Heads (1970) — Glauber Rocha's Haunting Political Parable Explored
Brazilian master Glauber Rocha's 1970 historical drama *Cutting Heads* unfolds inside a decaying castle nestled in a fictional Third World landscape, where a once-mighty tyrant named Diaz spirals into hallucinatory visions of his lost dominion.
While his subjects—peasants, workers, and indigenous people—whisper of vengeance, a mysterious shepherd weaves miracles that both entrance and terrify him. When Diaz encounters a young countrywoman, her purity becomes the centerpiece of a grotesque, self-staged funeral ceremony, blending surreal allegory with searing political commentary. Shot in stark, dreamlike visuals, this revolutionary parable merges colonial history with timeless themes of power, guilt, and collapse.