Who can save the rainforest? An environmentalist? A politician? A magician? A saint? It's none other than Gypsy Lord himself (comic genius Jose Wilker of Dona Flor and Her Two Husbands) a character born of Fellini, Brecht, and, of course, Brazil Beautiful. But, hey, wait a minute! Gypsy Lord doesn't want to save anything. He's wants to strike it rich.
Bye Bye Brazil is Carlos Diegues's 1979 metaphorical goodbye to a country in the process of extinction. Exotic, exuberant, and often very moving, it is a mixture of primitivism and progress, social commentary dressed up as a comic bon voyage to old Brazil (and Old World entertainment) where TV, sex, disco and booze are fast squeezing out the simple miracles of life. Beautifully directed by Diegues and with music by Chico Buarque, Caravan Rolidei with its festively painted 2 ton truck rolls across the backlands of Brazil capturing real people and places of the time. Be amazed as Gypsy Lord makes it snow so Brazil is just like all the great first world nations. Listen as he reassures the poor campesinos that there is a place where it's always green and the young never lose their strength. In the end Gypsy Lord and Salome the Rhumba Queen (who, Ladies and Gentlemen, has slept with American Presidents!) drive off to Altamira as the sun rises yet again on command. Para Vigo Me Voy!



