The Movies That Made Me THE SECRET AGENT writer/director Kleber Mendonça Filho
14 snips
Jan 13, 2026 
Kleber Mendonça Filho, a Brazilian film director celebrated for films like Bacurau, dives into his cinematic inspirations. He discusses the charm of Small Change and reveals how Australian films like Walkabout shaped his storytelling. Kleber expresses admiration for filmmakers like Herzog, emphasizing the risks of 70s cinema. He also shares insights into creating engaging scenes and the integration of fantasy in films like Gremlins and The Host. Finally, he reflects on the historical significance of works like Cabra Marcado para Morrer, showcasing his profound connection to cinema.
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Fitzcarraldo's Irresponsible Allure
- Kleber described seeing Herzog's Fitzcarraldo at 14 and feeling it was 'irresponsible' yet hypnotic.
- He later watched Burden of Dreams and confirmed the film's reckless, awe-inspiring production approach.
Cinema Of Excess Is A Lost Era
- Kleber proposed a 'cinema of excess' category including films like Apocalypse Now and Fitzcarraldo.
- He argued such risky, large-scale productions are unlikely to be made today.
The Beguiled's Genre-Bending Power
- Kleber praised Don Siegel's The Beguiled as undefinable studio cinema that mixes war, romance, and horror tones.
- He described it as disturbing and memorable for its deconstruction of masculinity and representation of women.
