A Talking Picture Poster

A Talking Picture 2003

★ 6.646 votes96 min📅 2003-08-31

Dive into *A Talking Picture (2003)*, Manoel de Oliveira's contemplative drama that unfolds aboard a Mediterranean cruise in July 2001.

Director: Manoel de Oliveira

Cast

Leonor Silveira
Leonor Silveira
Rosa Maria
Filipa de Almeida
Filipa de Almeida
Maria Joana
John Malkovich
John Malkovich
Comandante John Walesa
Catherine Deneuve
Catherine Deneuve
Delfina
Stefania Sandrelli
Stefania Sandrelli
Francesca
Irene Papas
Irene Papas
Helena
Luis Miguel Cintra
Luis Miguel Cintra
Himself
Ricardo Trêpa
Ricardo Trêpa
Oficial
Júlia Buisel
Júlia Buisel
Amiga de Delfina
David Cardoso

Frequently Asked Questions

What is *A Talking Picture (2003)* about?

The film follows a professor and her daughter as they travel on a Mediterranean cruise in 2001, with the professor sharing stories of myth, religion, and war. Along the way, the captain engages in witty exchanges with three famous, childless women, blending history with personal and philosophical reflections.

Who directed *A Talking Picture*?

Manoel de Oliveira, the legendary Portuguese filmmaker known for his contemplative and visually rich cinema.

Who stars in *A Talking Picture*?

The film stars Leonor Silveira, John Malkovich, Catherine Deneuve, Irene Papas, and Filipa de Almeida in key roles.

Is *A Talking Picture (2003)* worth watching?

If you enjoy slow-burn, dialogue-driven dramas that explore history and philosophy, *A Talking Picture* is a rewarding experience. Oliveira's direction offers a unique perspective on civilization, and the stellar cast adds depth to the narrative, making it a film that lingers in the mind.

How long is *A Talking Picture*?

The runtime is 96 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 36 minutes.

About A Talking Picture (2003) — A philosopher's cruise through myth and memory

Dive into *A Talking Picture (2003)*, Manoel de Oliveira's contemplative drama that unfolds aboard a Mediterranean cruise in July 2001. As the ship sails from Lisbon to Bombay, a professor shares stories of myth, religion, and war with her young daughter, blending history with personal reflection. Along the way, three iconic women—each childless, accomplished, and charismatic—cross paths with the ship's captain, their conversations weaving wit and wisdom into the narrative. Oliveira, a master of philosophical cinema, crafts a film that feels like a timeless conversation between past and present, where the Mediterranean becomes a stage for both storytelling and seduction.

Drawing from the grandeur of ancient cities and the echoes of history, *A Talking Picture (2003)* is a visually rich meditation on civilization and connection. Leonor Silveira leads the cast with quiet intensity, while John Malkovich, Catherine Deneuve, and Irene Papas bring star power to this elegant, dialogue-driven drama. It's a film that lingers, inviting viewers to ponder the threads that link humanity across time and geography.