O Ebrio

The drunkard, Gilberto Silva, was a man out of luck. He was a man who had done everything he was supposed to do. He made it through school and was well on his way to becoming a doctor (just like what most of our parents wish us to be). He relocated to the city hoping to find a little compassion from his relatives, but none was found.

Things very rapidly get better. Within about 10 minutes of the film, Gilberto went from being the beggar at the church steps to singing for an adoring audience. He becomes instantly famous. He finishes his degree and finds a beautiful wife, Marieta, and all of a sudden, his life seems too perfect. Now that the drunkard is full of cash those relatives that once ignored him take a special interest in him. His cousin, Jose, takes a particular interest in his wife. The very next scene after the newlyweds dash from the chapel portrays Jose flirting with Marieta, and she reciprocates the flirtation.

Gilberto works hard for his wife. He loves her and expresses his love through compassion and lovely gifts; however, her love is limited. She receives a very pricey birthday gift, but it is not enough; she wants more, and he gives her more, a large check. One may begin to wonder why Marieta really fell for Gilberto. Was it a love for the man or a love for his fame and wealth? Her little affair with Jose never ceases by the way.

Gilberto had to dash from his fifth year wedding anniversary to visit his dying father. Upon his return from the house of his now deceased father, he discovered that his wife had run off with Jose. Her allegiance to Gilberto was easily swayed by one of Jose’s ploys. Gilberto realized that he had nothing and perhaps never had anything. His wife wanted the fame, his family wanted the fortune. The compassion that Gilberto thought he had finally found was weak and shallow. The only true compassion Gilberto received was from the priest, a man of God. Gilberto without hope took to the streets and faked his own death. Compassion in this world was not to be found; therefore, Gilberto will drink away his remaining miserable days until he finds his compassion in the next life.