The casting process for the film “The Secret Agent” involved extensive exploration of Brazil’s vibrant yet complex social landscape. Gabriel Domingues, the nominated casting director for this year’s inaugural Academy Award for casting, explained how he brought to life the ensemble for Kleber Mendonça Filho’s politically charged thriller set in the 1970s. During an interview at The Times newsroom, Domingues described the challenge of translating the director’s memories into characters.
Domingues emphasized that Mendonça Filho’s vision was not about specific physical representations. “It’s not that he was showing us a picture and saying, ‘They must look like this,’” he noted. Instead, the director provided ideas drawn from personal recollections, which allowed for creative interpretation. The film portrays a father on the run, weaving through Brazil’s socio-political turmoil.
The film’s narrative serves as fertile ground for an eclectic mix of performers. Domingues remarked, “Even the small characters represent ideas about Brazilian life and its contradictions.” This sentiment is reflected in the film’s conclusion, where a montage acknowledges each actor individually, likened to a curtain call in theatre. Producer Emilie Lesclaux praised Domingues for his ability to find a unique blend of experienced actors and fresh faces, stating, “Gabriel tries to find an interesting mix of experienced actors and people that we can discover.”
Domingues’s casting journey began with his collaboration on “Aquarius,” where he served as a casting assistant. His approach focuses on seeking unconventional options for roles, which often leads him to places overlooked by others. He actively searches in areas without a prominent arts scene, expanding the pool of potential talent.
While many roles were filled through this method, some actors were predetermined choices for Mendonça Filho. Wagner Moura was envisioned as the lead from the outset, while other actors, such as Maria Fernanda Cândido and the late Udo Kier, were also integral to the film’s development. Kier portrays a German Jewish immigrant, recalling his previous work with Mendonça Filho in the film “Bacurau.” The director admitted that casting with a specific actor in mind can be risky, as he noted, “I can write a character thinking of you, but I never know if you will want to make the film. And I grow attached to the image.”
Among the supporting roles, the character Euclides, a sleazy police chief, presented unique challenges. This character required a blend of repulsiveness and charisma to provide emotional depth. The selection of actor Robério Diógenes was pivotal, as he brings a theatrical background that adds a layer of complexity to the role. “Robério has studied the clown art in the theater, and he’s a very funny guy, so he adds a component of ridiculousness to this character,” Domingues explained.
Another compelling character, Vilmar, is a man hired for a murder and reflects the ambiguous morality often found in lower socioeconomic classes. Domingues discovered Kaiony Venâncio, an actor from Natal, who embodied this complexity with authenticity.
A standout performance comes from Tânia Maria, who portrays the endearing, chain-smoking Dona Sebastiana. At 79 years old, Tânia Maria transitioned from a life of crafting rugs to acting, a journey that took her by surprise. “I never thought about being an actress. I only thought about sewing,” she shared during a video call from her home. Her current popularity, highlighted by recent appearances in commercials for well-known brands like Burger King and Heineken, showcases her rise in Brazilian pop culture.
Despite the challenges associated with memorizing lines, Tânia Maria is enthusiastic about her newfound career. “I don’t want to stop because I’m not old! I’m waiting for more invitations to move forward in acting,” she expressed.
The success of “The Secret Agent” has opened doors for many cast members, but it also complicates future projects for the filmmakers. Lesclaux remarked, “That’s all that we want for the people that we work with, that the film is good for them and their career. But for us, it also makes things more complicated for the next film because we will want to work with them, and they might not be available.”
In crafting a diverse ensemble that reflects the rich tapestry of Brazilian society, Domingues and Mendonça Filho have created a film that resonates deeply with audiences, offering an authentic portrayal of the nation’s complexities.
