The Cannibals
Os Canibais
“A drama following stories of characters from the Portuguese High Society.”
Synopsis
This odd film is a major representative of an even odder film genre: direct-to-celluloid opera. It was commissioned by the Portuguese master of style, director Manoel de Oliveira from composer João Paes. Musically, it ranges from 19th-century romanticism to popular, modernist and even "post-modernist" styles. In the initially tame story, a host-narrator tells the story of a wedding between the two lovebirds: Viscount d'Aveleda and the beautiful Marguerite. However, what happens in the bridal chamber is incredibly bizarre. The events after that are even stranger, and the wedding guests and family indulge in cannibalism, among other perversions.
Top Cast
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Luís Miguel Cintra
Viscount d'Aveleda
Leonor Silveira
Margarida
Diogo Dória
Don João
Oliveira Lopes
The Presenter (lago)
Pedro T. da Silva
Niccolo
Joel Costa
Urbano Solar
Rogério Samora
Peralta
Rogério Vieira
The Magistrate
António Loja Neves
The Baron
Luís Madureira
Teresa Côrte-Real
José Manuel Mendes
Cândido Ferreira
Glória de Matos
Glória Matos
Sofia Alves
Convidada do Conde
Filomena Amaro
Margarida (singing voice)
Release History & Theatrical Window
Cannes Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Manoel de Oliveira
- Screenplay & Story
- Manoel de Oliveira
- Original Score
- João Paes
- Original Title
- Os Canibais
- Country of Origin
- Germany, France, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland
- Spoken Languages
- Portuguese
- Runtime
- 1h 35m
- Production Studios
- Filmargem, Gemini Films, La Sept Cinéma
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Manoel de Oliveira
Manoel de Oliveira, João Paes, Álvaro do Carvalhal
João Paes
Manoel de Oliveira, Sabine Franel
Paulo Branco, Paulo De Sousa
Department Leadership Roster
Manoel de Oliveira
Director
Jasmim de Matos
Costume Design
Paulo Branco
Producer
Luís Monteiro
Production Design
João Paes
Writer
Manoel de Oliveira
Editor
Manoel de Oliveira
Screenplay
Sabine Franel
Editor
João Paes
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Cannibals.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Cannibals
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Cannibals about?
This odd film is a major representative of an even odder film genre: direct-to-celluloid opera. It was commissioned by the Portuguese master of style, director Manoel de Oliveira from composer João Paes. Musically, it ranges from 19th-century romanticism to popular, modernist and even "post-modernist" styles. In the initially tame story, a host-narrator tells the story of a wedding between the two lovebirds: Viscount d'Aveleda and the beautiful Marguerite. However, what happens in the bridal chamber is incredibly bizarre. The events after that are even stranger, and the wedding guests and family indulge in cannibalism, among other perversions.
Who directed The Cannibals?
The Cannibals was directed by Manoel de Oliveira.
Who stars in The Cannibals?
The principal cast of The Cannibals includes Luís Miguel Cintra, Leonor Silveira, Diogo Dória, Oliveira Lopes, Pedro T. da Silva.
When was The Cannibals released and how long is it?
The Cannibals was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 1h 35m.
Who composed the musical score for The Cannibals?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Cannibals was composed by João Paes.
Is The Cannibals based on a book or true story?
The Cannibals is adapted from the following source material: Book: "Álvaro do Carvalhal".