In part homage to F. W. Murnau’s film of the same name,
Portuguese melodrama Tabu is a film
split into two halves which revolve around a Portuguese woman who grew up in
Africa and grew old in Lisbon.
Shot on actual film and in a narrow 1.37:1 aspect the film exudes an air of the
silent era which is doubled with a second act which features no spoken
dialogue. Instead of traditional dialogue or even old style intertitles the
audience is treated to a narration from an older version of one of the central characters.
The second act isn’t totally silent though as background noise of the African
bush can be heard while the characters are muted. It is a brave film making
decision but works to great effect. Tabu
takes some time to get into and will be an instant turn off to many (including
me) but once I got into it and especially once I reached Part 2, I was hooked
by its enduring story, picturesque setting and exquisite style.
The film opens with an enigmatic prologue set in Africa and telling the story of star crossed lovers. This
beautiful opening also introduces a crocodile which goes on to have further
significance later on. Unlike the two main sections of the film, this opening
could be timeless. There are hints of an early colonial setting but the way it
is filmed gives it an eternal feel.
