English Version | Roteiro: The Good Luck Issue

13 Mar 2023
By Vogue Portugal

Books, movies, music, and events not to be missed.

Books, movies, music, and events not to be missed.

Good luck books

Okay, maybe not all of these books bring (good) luck, but they all manifest something like that. You just have to turn the page and believe.

Lucky songs

The concept of luck is difficult to describe in words. It is best translated into musical notes.

The ambiguity of the word luck, or in the case of the songs that follow luck, cannot be disregarded. From its most obvious interpretation, the inexplicable force of fate, to its more extrapolated considerations, such as sexual pleasure, the songs that follow cover all these interpretations. Of course, the first to mention luck in their compositions did not have these ulterior motives, unacceptable for the time when they sang them. We guarantee that Robert Alda, with Luck, Be a Lady, didn't have sex in mind: written for the musical Guys and Dolls, it has the charm of 1950s music and equates luck in gambling to luck in a relationship in a genial way. This innocence is shared by another classic, Good Luck Charm (1961) by Elvis Presley. While Presley may not have had sex in the lyrics he sang, he had it in his voice. The singer's tone, as he expresses the desire to have someone as a charm, is irresistible. Paradoxically, some of the songs about luck are true symbols of bad luck. Such is the case with Lucky, Lucky Me (1964) by Marvin Gaye. The song, which became a hit, was not considered good enough to be released after its first recording. It wasn't until 1994, ten years after Gaye's death, that it was heard by the public for the first time. Its success was immediate, and it became his fourth posthumous hit. Interestingly, this is not the only song about luck that has its share of bad luck associated with it. You Got Lucky (1982) by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, one of the band's many hits, was rarely played live, as the group always resented the song's more experimental sound. Some songs encapsulate the disagreements of a musical group, such as Bad Luck, by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes with Teddy Pendergrass. The year of the song, 1975, coincided with the time when tensions within the band collided. Financial problems, artistic differences: the usual dramas. Madonna's Lucky Star (1983) is also one of these cases. Initially intended as her debut single, the song was a point of tension between the artist and the song's producer. Madonna accused him of ignoring her suggestions and had to hire a different producer (who also happened to be her boyfriend at the time). A song about luck being associated with bad luck? "Isn't it ironic, don't you think"? This unsuccessful pun is the justification behind the next choice of music. Ironic (1996), by Alanis Morissette, explores similar situations of bad luck. The analysis of this genre of paradoxes is continued by Britney Spears who, in her song Lucky (2000), introduced us to the other side of her "glamorous" life. After all these tragedies, we are happy to report that not all songs about luck turn out to be pernicious, some are just fun songs to listen to. Trying Your Luck (2001) by The Strokes or Lucky (2008) by Jason Mraz are examples of this rule. We end our list by keeping the promise of allusions to sexuality. After all, we couldn't fail to mention Get Lucky (2013) by Daft Punk.

Happy-go-lucky films

Lights, camera, action... and a lot of luck.

Luck, fate, destiny. Many names are given to the force that seems to command the course of our lives. But no matter what we want to call it, this obscure force has long fascinated us. The questions that this ancient concept implies are too complex for a rational explanation. As usual, when science is insufficient for the answers to our questions, art takes it upon itself to explore them. Cinema explores this concept in multiple ways: sometimes luck is just the engine of the plot, and sometimes it is almost a character, taking a central role in the narrative. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1971) fits the first definition.that will allow him to discover the fantastic world of Willy Wonka. It is also to luck that we can attribute the reason for Charlie's survival on the tour of the peculiar factory - unlike his companions who, through strange incidents, mysteriously disappear. We didn't bother to say spoiler alert, but the film is over fifty years old, and the responsibility is no longer ours. In Bad Luck... Be Lucky (1991), explores what lies behind this allusive concept. Through the dichotomy between a lucky son (who has even won the lottery) and a father who, though hardworking, is extremely unlucky, it discusses what it means to be "lucky." The film is an essential comedy, one of those works that seem increasingly rare: funny and surprisingly profound.We just praised the rarity of these films, but the next one is in the same category. Yes! (2008), is Jim Carrey at his best, the perfect balance between the ridiculous and the emotional. The addition of Zooey Deschanel is just the icing on the cake. We couldn't help but mention Could It Happen to You (1994): Nicholas Cage and Bridget Fonda become an unlikely couple when a lottery ticket elevates them from precariousness to millionaire status. If it's romantic comedies we want, the mention of How Lucky I Am! (2006), is a must. The presence of Lindsay Lohan would be justification enough for the film's mention on this list, but beyond that, it has that charm of the romantic comedies of the first decade of the 21st century. As important as luck is, its opposite, bad luck, is important in film history. Unluck was, in fact, one of the first themes to be explored by the seventh art. Already silent films used bad luck as a way to turn the misfortunes of others into hilarious comedies. The Seven Years Itch (1921), for example, is one such case. Of course, the narratives have developed a lot since then, but bad luck has remained a recurring theme. Just think of films like Bad Luck (1991), or Lemony Snicket - A Series of Misfortunes (2004). We make special mention of all the gambling movies, one of Hollywood's most entertaining categories. The Great Sinner (1963), California Split (1974), and Ocean's Eleven (2001) are all on Mount Olympus in this divine category of films. Press play?

Plays, exhibitions, festivals... lucky us

The European capitals, Lisbon included, are full of culture. From exhibitions to theater plays, it's time to get out of the house. We are lucky to have so many (good) things to see.

Frida Kahlo - The Life of an IconImmersive exhibitions have become the target of fascination for the Lisbon population. Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt have already had this experience, now it's time for one of the most important artists of the 20th century. In her own words, "I don't paint dreams or nightmares, I paint my reality." The way Khalo interpreted her art is respected in her exhibition. Her works are the vehicle through which we are told her story.Reservatório da Mãe d'Água das Amoreiras, Lisbon. Until July 10th.

MonstraMonstra is a true institution of Portuguese cinema. Year after year, the tribute to the art of animation floods several theaters in Lisbon. This edition is marked by the celebration of the centennial of Portuguese animation, with the largest national representation ever registered in the competition. But Portuguese content is not the only one celebrated in the 22nd edition of the festival, Japanese animation is also honored: throughout eleven days, the relationship between Portugal and Japan is celebrated.Cinema São Jorge, Cinemateca Portuguesa, among others, Lisbon. From March 16th to 26th.

The Death of the CrowThere are few (read, almost none) plays that offer an experience similar to The Death of the Raven. The show is completely immersive, blurring the lines between personal experience and performance art. The audience is placed at the center of an exciting thriller between two of the most important figures in 20th-century literature, Edgar Allan Poe and Fernando Pessoa. Murder, romance, secret pacts: The Death of the Raven is a must-see play.Military Hospital of Estrela, Lisbon. Until July 30th.

After Impressionism: Inventing Modern Art Post-Impressionism is one of the most recognizable artistic movements of the 20th century, but the extent of its impact is still unexplored - not to mention that some of history's most famous artists have drawn inspiration from it. This is the starting point for the National Gallery's latest exhibition. The legacy of post-Impressionist artists such as Paul Cézanne, Vincent van Gogh, and Paul Gauguin is celebrated at London's museum. National Gallery, London. March 25 to August 13.

Marc Chagall, the Poerty of EmotionsMarc Chagall's paintings, flooded with color and light, are an ode to love, the favorite subject of the French-Russian painter, one of the most important names in modern art. Opera Gallery, one of the most important collectors of his works, is now organizing a retrospective of his legacy, where you can see such emblematic paintings as The Green Donkey (1978) or The Painter with Posies (1984).Opera Gallery, Paris. From March 18 to April 19.

Translated from the original on The Good Luck Issue, published march 2023.Full stories and credits on the print issue.

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