Chapter 35 – The Film Is Ready
Time passed too quickly.
Gustavo could hardly believe that, just four months after being cast, the film was already completely finished.
And it wasn't just any film.
It was an epic about Getúlio Vargas, directed by Fernando Meirelles, which promised to be one of the most ambitious films in the history of Brazilian cinema.
And what was even more impressive?
Gustavo surprised everyone with his performance.
He never made a mistake.
From the first day of filming, the crew began to notice something peculiar about Gustavo.
He simply didn't need more than one take.
Scene after scene, he got into character with such depth and control that Meirelles rarely asked for retakes.
On set, the crew commented in shock:
"He's getting everything right the first time!"
"That's not normal. Not even experienced actors do that."
Fernando, who had worked with film legends before, was fascinated by Gustavo's precision.
— It's as if he had lived this story before.
There was one particularly impressive moment.
An extremely tense scene, where Getúlio faces his political allies for the last time before deciding his fate.
The camera focused on Gustavo's face, capturing every detail of his expression, full of anguish and power.
He took a deep breath, looked around the room and, in a firm, slow voice, murmured:
— Power is a game that everyone wants to win. But few are ready to pay the price.
The scene ended.
Total silence on the set.
Meirelles leaned forward, stunned.
And then…
— CUT! It was perfect. We don't need another one.
The producers exchanged looks of disbelief.
The director of photography whispered to one of the assistants:
— This kid is from another planet.
The makeup and characterization were a spectacle in themselves.
The team spent weeks studying real photos and videos of Getúlio Vargas, trying to capture every detail of the former president's physiognomy and expression.
When Gustavo finally appeared on the set completely transformed...
The impact was immediate.
Selton, who was visiting the set that day, was speechless when he saw him.
"My God..."
Fernanda held her chin in amazement.
"Gustavo... you look IDENTICAL."
Even Walter, always calm, nodded in approval.
"This is going to make history."
When Fernando Meirelles saw the final result, he smiled with satisfaction.
"Now we have our Getúlio."
When filming officially ended in August, the editing team worked tirelessly to finalize the material.
And then, the first trailers were released to the public.
The impact was instantaneous.
The critics were fascinated.
The audience got goosebumps.
And experts were already calling the film one of the biggest cinematic events of the year.
On YouTube, the comments showed the level of excitement:
— Gustavo's voice, his posture… I GOT CHILLS!
— This doesn't look like acting, this looks like Getúlio coming back to life!
— Fernando Meirelles + Gustavo Salles = MASTERPIECE!
International websites quickly jumped on the bandwagon.
Variety:
"Gustavo Salles impresses in the first trailer for 'Getúlio,' directed by master Fernando Meirelles."
The Hollywood Reporter:
"Following his Oscar, Gustavo Salles delivers a stunning performance as Getúlio Vargas."
IndieWire:
"If the trailer is already impressive, we can't wait to see the full film."
And then came the official announcement.
Because of its magnitude and relevance, Getúlio was chosen to premiere at the Venice Film Festival on September 1, 2025.
It was déjà vu for Gustavo.
Exactly one year earlier, he had been in Venice for the release of Still Here.
Now, he would return to the festival as the main character.
And then, in a symbolic and powerful gesture, the film's team announced that the official release in Brazilian theaters would take place on September 7, 2025 — Brazil's Independence Day.
When this news came out, the entire country celebrated.
— There is no better date to release a film about one of the most remarkable presidents in our history!
— Fernando Meirelles and Gustavo Salles are doing something BIG!
And Gustavo knew that this film was not just another job.
It was a historic moment.
Now, all that was left was to wait for the big day.
Chapter 36 – Fernando Meirelles' Praise
The studio lights were bright, illuminating Gustavo and Fernando as the cameras were set up for yet another interview to promote the film Getúlio.
It was August 2025, and they were in a marathon of interviews to talk about the production that was already considered one of the most anticipated releases of the year.
Journalists from all over the world wanted to know more.
And Gustavo was still getting used to this level of attention.
He was no longer just a promising young talent.
Now, he was the face of one of the most ambitious films in Brazilian cinema.
And that still seemed surreal.
The journalist, a reporter from Canal Brasil, adjusted the microphone and smiled at them.
— Gustavo, Fernando, thank you for being here. The whole world is talking about this film. What was it like for you to bring Getúlio Vargas to the screen?
Fernando Meirelles was the first to answer, in his calm manner.
— Well, it was one of the biggest challenges of my career. Getúlio Vargas is an extremely complex character, full of nuances. And finding someone who could interpret that authentically was a huge challenge.
The reporter nodded, intrigued.
— And how did you come up with Gustavo's name?
Fernando smiled and looked at Gustavo for a second before answering.
— I already knew his work in "I'm Still Here". He had a small role, but you could feel his intensity on stage. But I confess that, when we called him to audition for Getúlio, I still had my doubts…
Gustavo let out a nervous laugh.
— Good to know that now…
The reporter laughed along.
— And what happened in the audition?
Fernando leaned back in his chair and smiled.
— It turned out that, in the first few seconds, I already knew it would be him.
Gustavo lowered his head, feeling his face heat up.
He never got used to that kind of compliment.
Fernando continued:
— I've worked with many incredible actors in my career. And I can say, without any exaggeration, that Gustavo was one of the biggest surprises of my life as a director.
Gustavo swallowed hard and laughed, clearly embarrassed.
— For the love of God, Fernando…
The reporter laughed at his reaction.
— Gustavo, you're blushing!
— OF COURSE I AM! — he replied, covering his face with his hands.
The room burst into laughter.
Fernando patted him on the shoulder and continued.
— I'm not saying this to flatter you, Gustavo. But the truth is that you have a rare talent. You don't just understand the character… You transform into him. You have absolute control of the scene. And I'm sure you'll bring more Oscars to Brazil.
Gustavo felt his face burn with embarrassment.
He never knew how to react to compliments of that level.
But, inside, he felt deeply grateful.
The reporter smiled at him.
— And what is it like to hear that from a director like Fernando Meirelles?
Gustavo took a deep breath before answering.
— I still don't know how to deal with it. But I will remember these words forever.
Fernando smiled.
— You can get used to it, because this is just the beginning.
And Gustavo knew he was right.
New stories in my Patreon
News stories there: "SUITS: The Lawyer " , " The Lawyer and Policeman " and " Former CIA, Now LAPD "
This story is already complete there
[email protected]/SHADOWGHOST07
Just replace the @ with an a