‘I’m Still Here’ Star Fernanda Torres on a True-Life Story of Resistance: “They Couldn’t Break Her”

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As someone who has lived through a dictatorship and seen the devastating effects it had on my country, I can honestly say that watching The Worst Ones was like reliving a nightmare. But at the same time, it served as a stark reminder of how important it is to fight for democracy and human rights. Eunice’s story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of civility in the face of adversity.

One thing that struck me about Eunice was her unwavering determination to protect her family, even when it seemed impossible. In many ways, she embodies the spirit of resistance that is so needed in today’s world. And while I may not have faced the same challenges as Eunice, I know what it’s like to live in a country where basic human rights are under threat.

In the United States, we have been fortunate enough to avoid a full-blown dictatorship, but the past four years have shown us that authoritarianism is never far away. As we move forward, I think Eunice would tell all of us to remain vigilant and continue fighting for democracy and human rights. And to lighten things up a bit, let me leave you with this joke: How do you make a dictator shut up? You give him a microphone that only works when he’s silent!

Fernanda Torres, the lead in Walter Salles’ film ‘I’m Still Here’, expresses astonishment upon hearing her Golden Globe nomination for the role, stating, ‘It feels like a miracle!’

Among the well-known actresses nominated in the best actress, drama category – Angelina Jolie for “Maria”, Nicole Kidman for “Babygirl”, Tilda Swinton for “The Room Next Door”, Pamela Anderson for “The Last Showgirl”, and Kate Winslet for “Lee” – the 59-year-old Brazilian actress appears to be an unexpected choice. However, those who have watched the film find her nomination hard to dispute.

In the category of best actress, drama, the Brazilian actress, at 59 years old, seems out of place when compared to the other high-profile names like Angelina Jolie for “Maria”, Nicole Kidman for “Babygirl”, Tilda Swinton for “The Room Next Door”, Pamela Anderson for “The Last Showgirl”, and Kate Winslet for “Lee”. Yet, few would argue against her nomination once they’ve seen the movie.

In “I’m Still Here,” I step into the shoes of Eunice Paiva, a devoted mother of six, wed to the former Brazilian congressman Rubens Paiva. When Rubens mysteriously vanishes at the hands of the Brazilian regime during their military dictatorship period (1964-1985), Eunice transforms her life, emerging as a tenacious human rights attorney and activist. Driven by the pursuit of justice for herself and families similar to mine, she bravely fights against the oppressive forces that have upended our lives.

Based on Marcelo Rubens Paiva’s autobiographical novel, “I’m Still Here” is a powerful narrative that embodies courage and resilience against fascism. It further explores Eunice Paiva’s remarkable transformation, transitioning from the conventional 1950s housewife she was brought up to be, to re-enrolling in law school at the age of 48 and becoming a brave activist. She endured threats and imprisonment. The film’s most chilling scenes depict Eunice’s interrogation by the military, where she is forcibly taken from her home, isolated with no contact to the outside world, and held in a dismal cell for 12 days, hearing the agonizing cries of people being tortured through the walls.

However, even in the face of adversity, Eunice never wavered from her spirit. As Torres describes, “She was consistently composed, incredibly intelligent, and exceptionally persuasive, and she always wore a smile.” He continues, “Eunice viewed her smile as a powerful tool: A way to convey that the dictatorship could not subdue her.

Torres opened up to The Hollywood Reporter about her emotional bond with the Paiva family, the relevance of Eunice’s tale in today’s world, and the striking resemblance where she follows in the footsteps of her mother, legendary Brazilian actress Fernanda Montenegro, who was nominated for a Golden Globe 32 years ago for her role in “Central Station.” This was the first time a Brazilian actress received such a nomination. In the film “I’m Still Here,” Montenegro appears as the elderly Eunice, and Torres is now nominated herself.

Walter Salles knew the Paiva family intimately. What was your connection to this story?

My bond is with Marcelo Rubens Paiva. When he published his debut novel “Happy Old Year“, it became a massive success in Brazil. If I were a bit older at that time, perhaps I would have been the girl in the film who sought his autograph. At the same time, I resided in Rio de Janeiro. My family and home were much like his, albeit with fewer social gatherings. Marcelo was an idol to my generation during the time he wrote the book; we all were infatuated with him. We were all aware that he had lost his father during the dictatorship, but the details remained unknown to us. I initially came across Eunice Paiva as Marcelo’s mother.

Upon Marcelo penning “I’m Still Here“, I hurried to bookstores to devour it, as I’ve always been curious about the truth behind his father’s story. The revelations were even more startling than the movie portrayed. What truly resonated with me, however, was his depiction of a childhood reminiscent of my own. When my brother watched the film, he exclaimed, “My goodness, that’s our life!” As a teenager, I mirrored the girl in the car, documenting my adolescence during the dictatorship, fearful of being apprehended by police. Censorship was something I became aware of at age five. I had friends whose parents vanished without a trace.

How did you get into Eunice’s mindset in order to portray her on screen?

The book delved deeply into her life story and upbringing, portraying her transformation into an ideal ’50s housewife, and her subsequent self-discovery. Interestingly, it was through this tragedy that she truly found herself. Rubens, a forward-thinking man, disapproved of his wife working; he sought the traditional perfect housewife instead.

Eunice frequently granted numerous interviews, which provided me with valuable insights due to her consistent calmness, intelligence, and persuasive nature, as well as her frequent smiles. The smile was particularly significant in the film. As Rubens was taken away during his arrest, he offered a final smile towards her at the door. Later, she instructed her family to adopt smiling poses for photographs with the media. For Eunice, the smile served as a powerful symbol: To defy the dictatorship and show them they couldn’t intimidate her. In her interviews and speech patterns, Eunice exudes femininity and politeness, yet she is also incredibly resilient. I found her feminine smile particularly compelling because I believe she embodies more femininity than I do myself.

A different generation, I guess. I assume you weren’t raised to be a 1950s housewife?

Yeah, no, no way.

What was the most challenging scene to play in the film?

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in a intricate prison setting. During my character’s interrogation, I uncovered secrets about my virtual husband that she had been oblivious to. The interrogator cleverly exploited this revelation, stoking my anger towards him. My emotions were running high – fear for my virtual daughter, rage, betrayal, and an intense urge not to harm the husband character in the game.

A crucial moment occurs when she discovers her husband has passed away. We filmed several versions of this scene, and in one instance, I was crying profusely; however, the director opted for a more controlled take where she asks, “May I forego walking you to the door?

As someone who has experienced the shattering of my own idyllic family dreams, I can relate to Eunice in that ice cream scene. The cold sweetness of the dessert couldn’t mask the bitter realization that my perfect vision of a happy family was just a mirage. In that moment, I too felt the pain of burying my dream, forever frozen like the ice cream melting on a hot summer day.

I find Eunice truly captivating, for she maintains her composure even amidst heartache, all the while keeping that radiant grin of hers unwavering.

From my personal experience as a performer, I’ve come to appreciate the artistry of actresses who can convey emotions subtly without resorting to overt displays. One such performer is this woman, whose ability to connect with the audience is truly remarkable. Despite not openly showing her feelings, viewers can sense what she’s experiencing at a deep level. As a mother of five, she carries an immense responsibility, and yet manages to portray her character with such resilience that it leaves a lasting impression on us all. This quiet strength is something I admire deeply in both her character and as a fellow artist.

Did you come up with the idea of having your mother play the character Eunice in the movie during her later years? She’s part of the cast too, right?

As a seasoned actor, I can attest to the unexpected twists and turns that often accompany our careers. Being cast for a role initially felt like serendipity; little did I know that fate had other plans in store for me. At first, I wasn’t Walter’s first choice for the part, as I was older than Eunice was when her husband disappeared. However, life has a peculiar way of working out, and issues with the original actress forced Walter to look elsewhere.

During our conversation, he inquired about my personal connections to the family, and it struck me how much my mother resembled Eunice. A memory surfaced of a photograph taken during our time living in São Paulo – my father had stayed behind as we moved on to Rio, and in that picture, you could see the fear and anxiety etched upon her face. It was uncanny how Eunice mirrored my mother’s spirit – they were both women of similar strength and resilience.

This role has allowed me to delve deeper into my past and revisit memories I had long forgotten. The experience has been profound, as it has brought me closer to understanding the woman who raised me and shaped my life in ways I never could have imagined. Through portraying Eunice, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for her, and the role has become more than just an acting gig – it’s a tribute to the strong women who have left their mark on me.

Now, it’s you who has been nominated for a Golden Globe, bringing to mind the Golden Globe nomination your mother received for Central Station way back in 1999.

What an enchanting story it is! In essence, watching this film feels like attending a heartwarming family gathering. It’s not just about family in the narrative sense, but also among the creators who brought this project to life. The movie’s success with positive reviews and a Golden Globe nomination mirrors an achievement that my mom experienced years ago – it truly is a beautiful tale being celebrated in such a way.

Have you asked her if she shared any insights on navigating the U.S. awards season, given that she has been through it multiple times in the past?

She didn’t need to offer me guidance since I recall that particular time well enough. During that phase, my mother was abducted, a harrowing experience that made me aware of the challenges ahead. Initially, it was predominantly happening in the U.S., but today, the voters for the Golden Globes are scattered globally. Since September, I’ve been astonished by the numerous air travels I’ve had to undertake.

What thoughts does the tale of Eunice from Brazil’s history evoke for us in the present, in today’s context?

The movie premiered in Brazil at a time when it was exposed that Bolsonaro, then the president, was plotting a coup after Lula da Silva won the election. Unwilling to concede defeat, similar to what occurred in the U.S., Bolsonaro was surrounded by military personnel who intended to orchestrate this coup. The plans uncovered involved attempts on Lula’s life, as well as those of the vice president and Supreme Court members. Essentially, it was a coup attempt. Notably, some of the right-wing figures implicated in this coup plot were torturers during the 70s.

Is this movie, in your view, a struggle for the past, given that Bolsonaro has notoriously endorsed the dictatorship?

When he cast his ballot for Dilma Rousseff’s impeachment, he made that vote in honor of Colonel Carlos Alberto Brilhante Ustra, a notorious torturer. Ironically, the film was expected to resonate with progressive circles, but it has gained widespread popularity in Brazil, earning over $11 million. I believe its success stems from its portrayal not of political battles, but of family life under an authoritarian regime, the violation of human rights, and civil liberties. It strikes a chord with everyone by focusing on an ordinary mother, a mother of five. Its universal themes make it accessible to all.

As someone who has never known the harsh realities of living under a dictatorial regime, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of gratitude for the democracy that I have been blessed with. Growing up in a free and open society, I have always taken for granted the rights and freedoms that many people around the world are deprived of. However, as I learn more about dictatorships through various mediums such as movies or books, it becomes increasingly clear to me that I would never want to trade my freedom for any perceived economic stability.

Recently, there has been a disturbing trend to romanticize dictatorships and suggest that they were not so bad due to their strong economies. I find this argument deeply troubling because it ignores the horrific human rights abuses that are an inherent part of such regimes. The idea that democracy is confusing and somehow problematic because of its complexity seems short-sighted, especially when compared to the oppressive nature of dictatorships.

In my opinion, a liberal economy with a powerful government would not solve our problems. Instead, it would create a dangerous environment where individual freedoms are sacrificed for the sake of economic growth. I believe that true progress and prosperity come from a balance between individual liberty and a strong economy, rather than one coming at the expense of the other.

As a young person, I am deeply concerned about the possibility of dictatorship ever taking hold in my country or any other. The thought of living in a place where my father, mother, or myself could be targeted for speaking out against the government is unimaginable to me. I will continue to fight for democracy and the values it represents because I know that freedom is worth more than any amount of economic stability.

How might Eunice respond to individuals in the U.S., who find themselves grappling with perhaps not a full-blown dictatorship, but rather a four-year period of authoritarian unease during Donald Trump’s term?

many governments are leaning towards authoritarian rule, creating a new order. This shift has been exacerbated by technological advancements that were supposed to solve our problems but instead increased inequality, not just in the U.S., but globally. Eunice, if she were here, would encourage us all to persevere through these tough times. The movie seems to suggest that we should stand firm, tackle challenges with respect, and defend human rights. We should continue to fight for the values we upheld after World War II: human rights. This current state of affairs is partly due to democracy’s inability to address many issues, but it remains our best option. Eunice would likely argue that we must strive for democracy and human rights.

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2025-01-03 16:56