The Way He Looks is a Brazilian film written, produced, and directed by Daniel Ribeiro. It was produced by Lacuna Filmes and distributed in Brazil by Vitrine Filmes and internationally distributed by Films Boutique. The film is based on a short film called “I don’t want want to go back alone” which starred the same actors. The film launched in Brazil in April 2014 and in November 2014 in the US.  The story is about Leonardo (Leo), a blind high school student, and his relationship with his best friend Giovanna and the new student Gabriel. Leo is discovering his first romantic experiences when he meets Gabriel,  and while he develops a friendship with Gabriel, Leonardo discovers more about his sexuality and about himself.

discussion

Who is the main character in the film?

How do we see Leonardo treated? How is it tied to his disability? How is it tied to his sexuality? 

Disabled people have long been naming the importance of disabled actors playing disabled characters. Guilherme Lobo – the actor who plays Leo – is not blind, yet he plays a blind character. Do you think non-disabled actors should play disabled characters? Why or why not?

Do you think it’s important to have films about blind and/or LGBTQ people where the plot extends beyond their disability or sexuality? For example, as we see here, where the main plot is romance and not only about the main character being blind?