PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Many people form a dream for themselves at a young age, but few ever achieve their fantasy as a reality. Plagued by cynics and naysayers, too many of us allow doubt to take hold as we gradually lose sight of our dreams and aspirations. As a result, we succumb to the endless toils of society, finding comfort in our socially acceptable everyday routines. What was once a vision often becomes nothing more than a distant memory. For some people, this can still result in a satisfying life. However, it’s a fate that Paulo Coelho refuses in Paulo Coelho’s Best Story, a biographical dramatization about the man who penned the critically acclaimed novel, The Alchemist.
Growing up in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a young Paulo Coelho (Ravel Andrade: Under Pressure 2017) wants nothing more than to become a writer. Hearing the click clack of typewriter keys and the smell of fresh paper ready to be inked gives him an endless joy familiar to any artist discovering his calling for the first time. However, to Paulo’s father, Pedro (Enrique Diaz: Carandiru 2003), a career in the arts simply is not practical, especially in the ’60s for a man whose primary concern is making money through practical means while building the extravagant house of his dreams. This clashing of ideals leads Pedro to committing his son to a mental institution believing Paulo may be psychologically ill. However, not even an early form of electroconvulsive shock treatment could prevent the young aspiring writer from living life his way on his terms.
Alternating between four different points of Paulo’s life through four different decades, Paulo Coelho’s Best Story takes us through the renowned author’s journey to achieving his greatest desire. The ideals of the ’60s capture the discovery of Paulo’s passion while simultaneously striking at the heart of all discouraged dreams. However, the film takes a wild turn as the aspiring author’s rebellious nature propels him into hazy overindulgence of drugs, sex, and booze while exploring life as a hippie playwright.
When penning plays no longer suffice, the film takes a darker turn in the ’70s with Julio Andrade assuming the role of Paulo as an adult. Driven by fascinations of the mind, the far out hippie explores telekinesis and UFOlogy while utilizing his love for writing through a self-published magazine under a pseudonym. This becomes a slippery slope towards madness with unnerving consequences. But the artist spark holds fast and refuses to die.
As fate would have it, Brazilian rock singer Raul Seixas (Lucci Ferreira: Meteoro 2006) knocks on Paulo’s door seeking out the talent behind the aforementioned magazine. So begins Paulo’s songwriting career in Rock n’ Roll boosted by a deal forged through dark magic of the occult. This cinematic portrayal of a cloaked, ominous ceremony reflects exactly what comes to mind in regards to such a scene as a deal with dark forces is made. However, when payment comes due in a moment of psychological agony towards the end of this decade, the writer’s life changes forever.
After a strange encounter in the ’80s shifts the tides of Paulo’s fate, the author sets out on a path towards spiritual awakening. The third decade portrayed in Paulo Coelho’s Best Story is best understood if you’ve read his autobiographical novel, The Pilgrimage. Although, the film does give just enough overview to grasp the general idea. This pivotal moment gives the author a new understanding of life while birthing the present day international bestseller portrayed in the film’s fourth and final decade.
Structured with a non-chronological narrative covering four decades in a runtime of 112 minutes, Paulo Coelho’s Best Story seems like it would become nothing more than a convoluted mess. (If anything, not enough of Paulo’s intriguing life was covered.) However, rather than create a disaster, the film’s artistic nonlinear approach does the exact opposite adding flair to the plot climax like the crescendo of a well-composed masterpiece.
Filmmaker and documentarian Daniel Augusto did more than simply tell an intriguing story of an incredible author’s journey. He captured the essence of Paulo’s novels, which speak on the very meaning of life, wisdom and recognition of some things being more than mere coincidence. And those who have read his novels, Veronika Decides to Die, The Alchemist, and The Pilgrimage will know this to be true.
At its heart, Paulo Coelho’s Best Story is a revitalizing tale of inspiration reflecting the famous words from The Alchemist: “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Most negative reviews I’ve read ask the wrong questions failing to see what can be learned from this artist’s journey.
As a lesser known small foreign indie film, Paulo Coelho’s Best Story has received little recognition since its 2015 premiere. However, it’s truly a gem that has been waiting to be discovered and can be found on most major streaming platforms.
