Reaching for the Moon

Overview

In 1951, New York poet Elizabeth Bishop travels to Rio de Janeiro to visit Mary, a college friend. The shy Elizabeth is overwhelmed by Brazilian sensuality. She is the antithesis to Mary’s dashing partner, architect Lota de Macedo Soares. Mary is jealous, but unconventional Lota is determined to have both women at all costs. This eternal triangle plays out against the backdrop of the military coup of 1964. Bishop’s moving poems are at the core of a film which lushly illustrates a crucial phase in the life of this influential Pulitzer prize-winning poet.

Cast

Miranda Otto

Elizabeth Bishop

Glória Pires

Lota de Macedo Soares

Tracy Middendorf

Mary Morse

Treat Williams

Robert Lowell

Marcello Airoldi

Carlos Lacerda

Lola Kirke

Margaret

Luciana Souza

Joana

N/A

Tânia Costa

Dindinha

N/A

Marianna Mac Nieven

Malú