When Elis Regina and Antônio Carlos Jobim met for the first time, the world wasn’t quite sure of the treat that they were in for. However, this duo took the Brazilian music world by storm, truly putting them on the map, and allowing them to remain relevant for years to come. Elis & Tom is the story of the making of the album of the same name–outlining all that went into it and all that eventually came out of it.
There is passion in the individuals’ voices, a passion that allows both Tom and Elis to feel like they are present in the room with the viewers. I had no idea who these two individuals were just minutes before watching Elis & Tom for the first time, but I could feel their presence–I could feel how powerful and important they were, not just to music, but to the people in their lives. When people care that much about something, it makes viewers want to care as well. I could have closed my eyes and just listened to the tones of the individuals’ voices–and that would have been enough to fall in love with the subjects of the film. That passion never relents, extending itself throughout the course of Elis & Tom.
It seems that the most prevalent feature of Elis & Tom is the fact that it’s so calming. Early on in the film a reporter comes on and expresses that Bossa Nova is difficult to explain, but it’s obvious when you hear it. That’s an incredibly succinct way of putting it–and he’s absolutely right. Bossa Nova isn’t something that I’ve ever gone looking for, that I’ve ever considered sitting down and listening to in my free time–but after watching Elis & Tom, that is going to change. It’s difficult to explain why this music is so calming (at least for me, who knows very little in regard to the technical aspect of music)–all I know is that it calmed me, allowing me to relax from beginning to end. This is the big appeal of the film. From the moment I turned the film on, I was able to sit back, relax, and enjoy its soothing sounds.
I can just imagine Directors Roberto de Oliveira and Jom Tob Azulay asked themselves “how do we appeal to an American audience?” They had to imagine that in order for Elis & Tom to be successful they would have to appeal to the part of the world in which the majority of viewers exist–but this might be a tough sell for that part of the world. The answer to their question: briefly include Frank Sinatra in the film. It’s a small part of the production, but the reality is that he is a name revered around the world. No matter where you are or where you’ve come from–you know that Sinatra is one of the greatest musical talents of all time. This is not a film about Sinatra–and his time on screen is used to enhance Elis & Tom and the subjects of the film.
Oliveira and Azulay do a spectacular job of reaching viewers around the world, including ideas and individuals that are capable of piquing the interest of anyone watching. Elis & Tom is fun, it’s enchanting, and it’s calming–filling the room in which it’s viewed with a beautiful sensation of tranquility. This is a stunning documentary that hits all the right chords, and will entice viewers throughout.
Directed by Roberto de Oliveira & Jom Tob Azulay.
Written by Nelson Motta & Roberto de Oliverio.
Starring Elis Regina, Antônio Carlos Jobim, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10
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