Edificio Master
When Direct Questioning Drives Conversation
The Interview Process of Brazilian Filmmaker Eduardo Coutinho
Master documentary filmmaker, Eduardo Coutinho, moves through his interviews in Edificio Master, or Master, A Building in Copacabana, in an uncomplicated and accessible way. He listens to the people sitting across from him. He is straightforward and steadfast in investigating their language. One of my favorite things about his frank interview style is his ability to ask what they really mean by repeating their words, i.e. “What does an ‘easy life’ look like?”. He is quick in the beginning, firing off surface level questions that set up a sense of ease, then allows space in the conversation for more emotional and complicated thoughts. He’s not afraid of pauses, and often gives the person an opportunity to open up and change direction on their own.
Daniela, a self proclaimed neurotic and shy tenant with three small kittens was too afraid to look at Coutinho while interviewing. For the first time in the film, the camera pulled back to reveal Coutinho leaning in listening to her, hand clasping his chin. We witness her lack of eye contact, before the angle returns back to a medium close up. Instead of letting it go, the lack of connection prompted his question, “Can I ask you something? Why do you avoid eye contact when we talk?” She turns to him. Acknowledges that it’s something she deals with often, has a hard time looking at someone without stammering or blinking too often. Says it’s based on fear. By the end of their conversation, fear is set aside, as he’s convinced her to read her poetry and share artwork that acts as a “balm for her many issues”.