They Shot the Piano Player (2023)

Spanish filmmaker Fernando Trueba discovered Brazilian keyboardist Francisco Tenorio Júnior’s music in a record store twenty years ago. He was captivated by the music and researched Tenorio, only to find out that he disappeared in 1976 while on tour in Buenos Aires. It’s likely he was taken by the authoritarian government of Argentina, possibly for violating a curfew. Tenorio’s disappearance deeply affected Trueba, inspiring him to co-direct a film about him.

Fernando Trueba, the filmmaker, initially considered different formats for the movie about Francisco Tenorio Júnior. But he was drawn to animation after working on “Chico and Rita” with artist Javier Mariscal. Trueba, known for his music documentary “Calle 54,” wanted to portray Tenorio’s life vividly, especially since there was limited visual material available. He didn’t want the film to be dull, so he opted for animation to bring Tenorio’s story to life. The result is a colorful, widescreen-format movie that blends music documentary, political insight, and biography, with a journalist guiding the narrative.

In the film, there’s a character named Jeff Harris, played by Jeff Goldblum, who is a writer from New York. He tells the audience about his journey researching Francisco Tenorio Júnior for a book on bossa nova music. However, some feel this character limits the film’s potential. They believe that a more traditional documentary style could have been just as effective, using the same interviews and materials without the invented character. It’s suggested that Trueba might have even replaced his own voice with Goldblum’s in some instances.

Goldblum’s performance as Jeff Harris is praised for being natural and witty, adding depth to the story. The character acts as a stand-in for Trueba, allowing the narrative to explore various personal spaces, similar to a regular documentary. Trueba and Marsical meticulously fill each frame with details, encouraging viewers to explore the backgrounds. This attention to detail extends to character development, with subtle nuances revealing who each person is. It’s fascinating to see this journalistic approach applied in an animated setting.

The film deeply explores the impact of Francisco Tenorio Júnior’s disappearance on his family. His children, now in their 50s, recall limited memories of him, while his grandchildren never got the chance to know him. The act of “disappearing” someone leaves their fate uncertain, causing a unique kind of distress. It’s a display of state authority over citizens, where answers are withheld, leaving families in limbo. The film depicts how the secret police in Argentina used intimidation tactics, such as invading homes and destroying possessions, instilling fear in the population. This collective dread of being swept away and erased is palpable in the stories recounted by the interviewees.

The film’s visuals are vibrant and sophisticated, turning a sad story into a colorful journey through a fertile period in pop music and the arts. It’s both stimulating and educational, prompting viewers to think beyond just facts. Trueba and Marsical suggest that bossa nova’s international rise was as significant as the French New Wave film movement, though this claim isn’t explored deeply. Cinema buffs will enjoy animated depictions of famous scenes from films like “Breathless” and “The 400 Blows,” as well as renditions of music legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra who popularized bossa nova.

Trueba has built a diverse filmography, and this movie is another great addition. If possible, watch it on a big screen. And if not, make sure to turn up the volume when you watch it.