The unusual fact that drives this series is that a woman could give birth to two babies from two different men, known as hetereopaternal superfecundation. Inevitably there has to be some sort of sexual tension, but just as critical are the consequences that veer in unpredictable directions. Remember "Twins" (1988) a comedy film pairing Arnold Shwartzenegger and Danny DeVito? "Desperate Lies" is not a comedy, but uses the basic premise to explore a wide range of relationships
One underlying theme is "The truth shall set you free". Keeping secrets leads to sometimes tragic misunderstandings.
Another theme was a typical male concern over bloodlines. Many refuse to accept children that were not theirs. Various reactions from the film characters give different perspectives on what a family is. Bloodlines are not necessary. While I may have seemed to paint a picture of negativity there was also some inspiring relationships.
A surprising tool is the use of occupational therapy as the profession of the main character, Liana. I met one, but in a different context and was not able to satisfy my curiosity. She was part of a mindfulness class. Another connection developed when someone knew someone who couldn't easily brush their own teeth because of a limitation in wrist movement. An innovative helper positioned three different strips of bristles to allow with one stroke to cover three sides of teeth; the front, the top and the inside. It became commercial to a small market and later the concept was adapted to brushing dog's teeth which strikes many as strange, but some recognized that, as with humans, dental care can affect longevity. As a salesman I learned it has social benefits in that by poking inside a dog's mouth it helped a dog accept handling of its mouth which sometimes prevented choking or eating something harmful or playful youngsters. Something else I learned (as a sales tool) was that it made brushing teeth with braces much better.
Photographed in scenic Rio de Janeiro and the Atlantic coast.
It has been a few years since I last watched a Brazilian film, so the connections aren't as prominent, but the contributors of this series are likely to be part of my future. Here are some:
Angela Chaves created the series and helped write the script. She has 10 writing credits.
Mauricio Farias was the creative director. He has 44 director credits, 2 for additional crew and 9 for writing.
Fabio Goes was a composer. He had been well known as singer and musician Fabio has 44 composing credits, 9 for the music department and 1 for sound department.
Fabio Burtin provided cinematography. He has 20 cinematography credits and 32 for the camera and electrical department including "Blindness" (2008).
Helen Maura was the main editor. She has 34 editor credits, 3 for production manager and 2 for writing.
Juliana Paes played the main character, Liana who mothered two children. In 2006 People magazine declared her one of the 100 sexiest people in the world. She has not lost much in the meantime. Juliana has 40 acting credits.
Vladimir Brichta played the husband who found it difficult to accept a child not his. As a child he spent a few years in Germany with his geologist father and picked up an interest in theatre. Back in Brazil he got involved with theatre winning a few awards. He has 39 acting credits and one for sound department.
Felipe Abib played the unscrupulous Oscar a friend of the family who unknowingly impregnated Liana. He has 26 acting credits.
Palomma Duarte played Silvia a sister in law and birth doctor. She has 34 acting credits.
Bento Veiga played Inacio, the blind son of Silvia who performed music. In reality he is a blind songwriter musician.
Martha Nowill played Debora, a close friend of Liana's and sister to Oscar. She has 32 acting credits and 3 for writing.
The plot is full of twists right to the end and has some very interesting relationships. This series is available subtitled and dubbed on Netflix.
As I was posting this blog on Facebook I realized that the top photo, although very provocatively represents the idea behind the film, it never appeared in the film.
"Desperate Lies" is available subtitled and dubbed on Netflix.
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