Reaching for the Moon

A passionate love story whose imagery will haunt you, REACHING FOR THE MOON is a filmic ode to the relationship between American poet Elizabeth Bishop and Brazilian architect Lota de Macedo Soares. Set mostly in 50s and 60s Brazil on Lota’s breathtaking tropical estate, with key scenes in political Rio and New York, the film is a gem of mid-century style and vision. Abandoning her cherished regular conversations with fellow poet Robert Lowell in New York’s Central Park, brittle Elizabeth attempts to escape her demons by traveling to Brazil. Intending only to stay a short time while visiting her friend Mary, she instead becomes attracted to Mary’s lover Lota, a brash personality and striking visionary. Elizabeth stays on in Brazil for years, happy and increasingly successful thanks to Lota’s support. But her drinking threatens to destroy everyone around her. The brilliant cast includes a frail Mirando Otto as Elizabeth and fiery Glória Pires as Lota. (In English and Portuguese with subtitles) —B.B.