Chapter 37 – The Consecration in Venice
The day had arrived.
September 1, 2025.
The Venice Film Festival was grander than ever, bringing together renowned directors, prestigious actors and journalists from all over the world.
But that night, all eyes were on a single film.
Getúlio.
Fernando Meirelles' epic about the life and last days of Getúlio Vargas would finally be shown to the world.
And Gustavo Salles knew the weight of that moment.
It was his second time in Venice, but now, he was no longer a young supporting actor watching his debut on the big screen.
Now, he was the protagonist.
And he was not alone.
Because Gustavo made sure to bring everyone involved in the film.
Producers, screenwriters, costume designers, sound technicians, makeup artists...
He paid for each of their trips.
Because, for him, everyone there deserved to see the result of the work they had helped to build.
When Gustavo and Fernando got out of the car at the entrance to the festival, the flashes went off immediately.
Journalists, photographers and fans gathered, shouting his name.
Gustavo was wearing a classic black suit, elegant, with an impeccable cut.
But it wasn't his outfit that drew attention.
It was the way he carried himself in the moment.
He walked with confidence, but without arrogance.
With the posture of someone who knew he was about to make history.
Fernando walked beside him, visibly proud.
When the journalists approached, one of them asked:
"Gustavo, how are you feeling tonight?"
He smiled, took a deep breath and replied:
"Okay. I'm ready."
The screening room was packed.
Critics from various countries, influential filmmakers, renowned journalists…
Everyone was there waiting to see what Fernando Meirelles and Gustavo Salles had created.
The lights went out.
The film began.
And within a few minutes, the entire world forgot that they were watching fiction.
What Meirelles had done was not just a biographical film.
It was an experience.
And Gustavo…
Gustavo disappeared completely.
He was no longer Gustavo Salles.
He was Getúlio Vargas.
The spectators watched in disbelief.
For many foreigners, who did not know the story of the former Brazilian president in depth, it seemed like they were watching a real documentary.
The way Gustavo captured the weariness in Getúlio's eyes, the weight of power, the loneliness of leadership…
It was overwhelming.
It was real.
And when the film reached its final moment, with Getúlio preparing his famous letter-testament…
The silence was absolute.
The last scene, where his tired eyes stare into the mirror before the final shot, made many in the audience hold their breath.
And then, the screen went black.
Total silence.
And then…
The entire theater EXPLODED in applause.
The audience stood up.
The applause echoed throughout the entire theater.
Gustavo, still absorbing the impact of the moment, looked around and saw emotional faces.
International critics applauded nonstop.
Renowned directors smiled, in admiration.
The reaction was clear and unanimous.
Getúlio was not just a film.
It was a masterpiece.
Fernando looked at Gustavo and smiled.
"We made history."
And Gustavo, feeling a lump in his throat, knew he was right.
Chapter 38 – Brazil Makes Cinema History
The screening of Getúlio at the Venice Film Festival had been an absolute triumph.
After the long standing ovation, Gustavo, Fernando and the entire film crew left the theater to a flood of praise.
But nothing could have prepared them for what was to come.
Because the whole world was talking about the film.
And it wasn't just a passing buzz.
It was something monumental.
The day after the screening, the world's most influential newspapers began publishing their reviews.
And the texts were unanimous:
'Getúlio' was a masterpiece.
The New York Times:
"Fernando Meirelles delivers a historic film that transcends the barriers of traditional biography. But the biggest surprise is Gustavo Salles: his performance is so hauntingly authentic that, for a moment, we forget we are watching an actor. This film will be remembered for a long time."
The Guardian:
"'Getúlio' is one of the best political films of the century. And Gustavo Salles? His name will be remembered at the awards."
IndieWire:
"Gustavo Salles is unrecognizable in the role. This is one of those performances that defines careers and goes down in film history."
Variety:
"Brazil has just cemented itself as a cinematic powerhouse. Gustavo Salles and Fernando Meirelles deliver one of the most powerful films of the year. Expect to see this name at the awards."
Twitter went into meltdown.
Brazilians weren't just celebrating.
They were ecstatic.
— BRAZIL WON AGAIN!
— "Gustavo Salles to be nominated for an Oscar" – I'M GIRL-CHILLED!
— We went from "will we ever win an Oscar?" to "how many nominations will Brazil get this year?"
On Instagram, Gustavo gained more than 2 million followers in 24 hours.
The hashtag #GetulioMovie was a global trending topic for two days in a row.
And the comparisons started to emerge.
— Is Gustavo Salles the new Marlon Brando?
— His transformation into Getúlio is on the level of Daniel Day-Lewis in "Lincoln".
— If this film were American, they would already say it was "the best of the century".
And one thing was clear to everyone:
Brazil had arrived to stay in world cinema.
In Brazil, the impact was huge.
Newspapers and TV news programs covered the international repercussion of the film with enthusiasm.
On Jornal Nacional, the opening news was:
"'Getúlio' is applauded in Venice and puts Brazil among the favorites for the Oscar."
On Fantástico, a special report showed the reaction of the foreign audience.
Interviews with European and American critics highlighted the film's impact.
— This is the kind of production that changes the way the world sees Brazilian cinema.
— Gustavo Salles delivers a performance worthy of every possible award.
And on the debate programs, experts were already discussing how many Oscar nominations Brazil could get.
Brazil is Now a Cinematic Powerhouse
What once seemed like a distant dream was now a reality.
After decades of struggle, Brazilian cinema was finally being recognized worldwide as a powerhouse.
And Gustavo Salles was at the center of this revolution.
He was not just a promising actor.
He was the face of a new era for Brazil in cinema.
And that was just the beginning.
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