The stylish melodrama O princípio da incerteza (the principle of uncertainty) is about class differences, trust and betrayal. In this film – a lightly sardonic tale filled with playful and intelligent dialogues and aphorisms, as seen more often in his films – De Oliviera weaves philosophical speculations about free will and sin. And, just as the oldest working film maker in the world had done five times before, he filmed a work by the writer Augustina Bessa?Luis.
In O princípio da incerteza, the lives of four young people are linked together dramatically. On a country estate in Portugal, the wealthy Antonio grows up with José, the son of the housekeeper Celsa. Celsa regards both kids as her own sons, but she worries about the differences between the two. While Antonio is physically weak and indecisive, José is calculating and in danger of going astray. The friendship between the two men is tried when José’s childhood sweetheart Camila marries Antonio. Then José’s partner in crime, Vanessa, starts having an affair with Antonio.
The beautiful photography – for instance including stunning footage of De Oliveira’s beloved Douro Valley – and a self-assured montage provide rest in a beautifully shaped literary story with surprising revelations.
