There are two things that keep popping up in discussions of Mysteries of Lisbon; first that its mammoth running time of four and a half hours simply flies by without you noticing and second the frequent comparisons to Kubrick’s similarly epic Barry Lyndon. I’ll come to the latter in a second but first, let’s address that staggering length. I had the good luck of watching Mysteries of Lisbon from the comfort of my own sofa and even at that I took it in two sittings. Maybe I have a short attention span but whatever way you look at it, this is a hell of a commitment for a trip to the movies. If you have the staying power though, it is well worth the investment.
The story of Mysteries of Lisbon is one of great scope and depth. It begins by introducing us to a young boy named Joao. Living in a boarding school in the Portuguese countryside, he doesn’t know the identity of his father or mother and feels lost in the world. The priest that acts as guardian for the boys eventually takes pity on him and Joao discovers that his mother is a countess trapped in an unhappy marriage. When he is reunited with his mother, Joao learns the tragic story of his star-crossed parents. This is only the beginning, as we are introduced to multiple interweaving narratives of lives that intersect with one another across classes and borders.
It is a rich story of social propriety, class and conflict but above all, has an earthy soap opera quality that constantly entertains and recalls the best Dickens’ adaptations. This is also no doubt what has called to mind Barry Lyndon for so many. And just like that great film, Mysteries of Lisbon is handsome and involving. Director Raoul Ruiz displays the same elegance of direction and keen eye for a beautifully lit interior; a fitting legacy for the veteran Ruiz, who passed away last summer. The performances are uniformly of a high standard and in general the whole production glows with quality.
Even if you’re dubious about giving up such a chunk of your day I’d urge you to see Mysteries of Lisbon. Like finally diving into that hefty novel left untouched on the bookshelf, approaching it may be daunting but the rewards are many.