“Eternal Vagabond”: rogues, clown and backwoodsman in the Chanchada World

Abstract

This essay analyses the role played by the personas of the malandro (“rogue”), the clown and the caipira (“backwoodsman”: in Brazil it is a derogatory term used to designate rural inhabitants of less advanced areas, implying lack of instruction, means and manners) in the brazilian national cinematographic imaginary, whilst bearing in mind their representations in the folklore, music and circus-theater. Beyond the symbolic place occupied by the chanchada – a type of fictional comedy very popular in Brazil during the 1950s – in such imaginary constitution of the Brazilian national identity, we have highlighted the struggle for political and cultural hegemony, featured by the paulista and carioca cinemas, represented by Vera Cruz and Atlântida, respectively. In order to understand such dynamics, this analysis starts at 1950s and goes back to early 20th century, time in which the brazilian cultural and entertainment industry started to be formed and developed.