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Trinta is a 2014 Brazilian drama directed by Paulo Machline. The film tells the story of Joãosinho Trinta, a legendary carnival dancer and director who revolutionized the Rio de Janeiro Carnival in the 1970s and 1980s. The biopic explores Trinta's life, from his humble beginnings in a small town in Maranhão to his rise to fame and his tragic downfall.

The film opens with a young Joãosinho dreaming of becoming a dancer. He moves to Rio de Janeiro to pursue his dream, where he quickly becomes a sensation. The film shows Trinta's artistic vision and boldness, his talent for choreography, and his ability to transform traditional carnival parades into avant-garde spectacles.

At the height of his career, Trinta breaks with tradition and creates a parade for the Salgueiro samba school in which he portrays a gay wedding. The parade causes controversy and is initially banned by the authorities, but Trinta's talent and charisma win over the public, and the parade is eventually allowed to go ahead. The scene is a powerful example of Trinta's audacity and his willingness to challenge social norms.

The film also delves into Trinta's personal life. We see his relationships with both men and women, his struggle with drug addiction, and his eventual diagnosis with HIV. The portrayal of Trinta's relationships is sensitive and nuanced, and the film does not shy away from the difficulties he faced as a gay man in a conservative society.

As Trinta's fame grows, he becomes increasingly ambitious and demanding, and his relationship with the Salgueiro school becomes strained. The film shows Trinta's descent into megalomania and his eventual expulsion from the school. The scenes in which Trinta confronts the school's leaders are tense and emotional, and the film does an excellent job of conveying the complex power dynamics at play.

The final act of the film portrays Trinta's decline, both professionally and personally. We see his struggle to find work after his expulsion from the Salgueiro school, his worsening health, and his eventual death. The film handles Trinta's death with dignity and respect, and the final scene, in which his coffin is carried through the streets of Rio de Janeiro, is a powerful tribute to the impact Trinta had on Brazilian culture.

One of the strengths of Trinta is its use of archival footage from Trinta's parades. The footage is stunning and vividly captures the extravagance and energy of Trinta's creations. The film also features excellent performances, particularly from Paolla Oliveira, who plays Trinta's muse, Lourdes, and Matheus Nachtergaele, who gives a nuanced portrayal of Trinta's downward spiral.

In conclusion, Trinta is a moving and powerful biopic that captures the spirit and creativity of Joãosinho Trinta. The film portrays Trinta as a flawed but brilliant artist who revolutionized Brazilian culture and challenged societal norms. It is a celebration of Trinta's talent and legacy and a reminder of the power of art to provoke, entertain, and inspire.