MovieChat Forums > Orfeu Negro (1959) Discussion > Dubbed Soundtrack???

Dubbed Soundtrack???

posted 14 years ago by nycruise-1
2 replies | jump to latest

Knowing both the era and the locale when/where this was filmed, I can only surmise to my best guess that the film was originally shot on silent color film, then dubbed in a recording studio later (all of it - dialogue, music, sound effects).

The technology of the early 60s was not sophisticated enough to capture on-location sound very well, not to mention that when you record on a mountain top or near a seashore there's plenty of wind that can drown sound out.

"Lord of the Flies" was done the same way: all that footage of the boys on the island was later dubbed in a studio.

When you watch "Orfeu", take notice: actors' voices are clear, but there are no extraneous noises like clothes, footsteps, rustling of clothing unless they are integral to the story (footsteps dubbed when they are in the Power Plant).

"Don't call me 'honey', mac."
"Don't call me 'mac'... HONEY!"

[–] mackjay2 13 years ago

You're correct, I am sure. External shooting requires post-dubbing for the actors and sound effects. This film is an example of how well it can be done.

[–] Falconeer 8 years ago

Yes but you can't compare "Orfeu Negro" to "Lord of the Flies," as the latter had a tiny budget. Orpheus was a big budget production, and it shows. I have seen both the English and Portuguese language versions, and the Portuguese is vastly better, both in sound quality and aesthetically. I didn't even notice post dubbing for the Portuguese, but I sure found it obvious in the English dub. Either way this is still a cinematic masterpiece IMO..

Fabio Testi is GOD