This is a perfect example of what a «movie» or «film», call it what you wish, shouldn't be: as well as most of Manoel de Oliveira's, truth be told... One can't hide behind prizes in Venice or Cannes (by the juri, Cox, after all the man is older than us, so he must know better)... In terms of directing, he's nill, always has been, unless one considers cutting ppl's heads during the shooting, and not even filming them... I can't even say what is most unpleasant; the same actors he always used (apart from those who unfortunately demised before him), the ever-so bad sound editing, the BAD directing.... Not to say the absence of a plot... As in most of his movies. It's plainly dull, fake voices, stupid plot (if there is one), and I advise it to the same fans of Fellini, who admire him for the same reasons... Those alone... Be sure to watch the Oscars, for M. Oliveira will win , but this time it's a «Career» one.... Some deserved much better, as Ennio, who is a great composer... Not this one though...