Animated Docu-Drama 'They Shot the Piano Player' Explores Mystery of Francisco Tenório Júnior's Fate

For aficionados of samba and bossa nova, an animated storyteller fuses fact and fiction in 'They Shot the Piano Player.' This film delves into the enigmatic life and puzzling death of Francisco Tenório Júnior, whose keyboard talents dazzled Brazil's jazz scene in the 1970s. His unfortunate disappearance, amid political upheaval, raises numerous questions which the film seeks to explore through its blending of varying narratives.

Francisco Tenório Júnior: A Legend Remembered

Famed Spanish director Fernando Trueba and artist Javier Mariscal, previously known for 'Chico & Rita,' have combined their creative forces once more. This project undertakes a slightly different approach, straying from pure fiction to instead honor the true story of jazz maestro Tenório Júnior, even as it weaves in imagined elements. The film traces the origins of the investigation to a book-signing event, where a Brooklyn-based journalist shares the inception journey of his book on the jazz legend.

A Melding of Fiction and Reality

The film juggles between the concrete details of Tenório Júnior’s life, incorporating animated interviews with real-life figures, while also envisioning sequences of his tours and relationships. Voice work from Jeff Goldblum as the journalist adds a layer of authenticity as the movie navigates through the history and heritage that Tenório Júnior left behind in the world of bossa nova.

The Unsettling End of A Star

'They Shot the Piano Player' goes into the murkier territory of Tenório Júnior’s last days, drawing on historic memories and accounts, particularly of his last known moments in Buenos Aires. The narrative pays attention to the period’s political climate, hinting at the musician's ill-fated brush with the Argentinean dictatorship's rage during a violent era. The film underscores the arbitrary and tragic nature of his end, casting a somber mood on viewers.

The sad story of Tenório Júnior— a man not particularly steeped in politics who, tragically, resembled the archetype of a 'subversive' artist in the eyes of the then-government—serves as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by artists in turbulent times. The captivating and tragic tale vibrates with the rich soundtrack that marks Tenório Júnior’s contributions to Brazilian music, adding depth to the experience of the film.

The film, which totaled 103 minutes, received a rating of PG-13 and a warm reception of three out of four stars for its compelling blend of history and narrative artistry.

animation, jazz, mystery