The Devil's Work
Corpo Fechado
Synopsis
A historical documentary and filmic poem that interprets the story of José Francisco Pereira, an enslaved man who was tried by the Lisbon Inquisition for sorcery and sodomy. An adaptation of Pereira’s trial is interwoven with passages from Saint Peter Damian’s passionate 11th-century condemnation of sodomy as an unrepeatable sin in Letter 31 (also known as The Book of Gomorrah), and Walter Benjamin’s iconic elucidations on historicism and progress in Theses on the Philosophy of History. The film revisits the morally and legally charged figure of the sodomite as a violent historical construction and expression of ecclesiastical, institutional, and colonial patriarchy.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Carlos Motta
- Original Title
- Corpo Fechado
- Spoken Languages
- Portuguese
- Runtime
- 24m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Carlos Motta
Department Leadership Roster
Carlos Motta
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Devil's Work.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Devil's Work
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Devil's Work about?
A historical documentary and filmic poem that interprets the story of José Francisco Pereira, an enslaved man who was tried by the Lisbon Inquisition for sorcery and sodomy. An adaptation of Pereira’s trial is interwoven with passages from Saint Peter Damian’s passionate 11th-century condemnation of sodomy as an unrepeatable sin in Letter 31 (also known as The Book of Gomorrah), and Walter Benjamin’s iconic elucidations on historicism and progress in Theses on the Philosophy of History. The film revisits the morally and legally charged figure of the sodomite as a violent historical construction and expression of ecclesiastical, institutional, and colonial patriarchy.
Who directed The Devil's Work?
The Devil's Work was directed by Carlos Motta.
Who stars in The Devil's Work?
The principal cast of The Devil's Work includes Dario Azzellini, Paulo Pascoal, John Arthur Peetz, Vicente Wallenstein.
When was The Devil's Work released and how long is it?
The Devil's Work was released in 2018 with a total runtime of 24m.