In the vast ocean of Brazilian literature, no character has sparked as much debate, fascination, and psychoanalytic study as Capitu, the enigmatic heroine of Dom Casmurro by Machado de Assis. Her famous "olhos de ressaca" (undertow eyes) have haunted readers for over a century. Yet, in the 21st century, a visual artist dared to translate this literary obsession into a different language. That artist is Luis Fernando de Carvalho, and his work is titled "Seriado Capitu" (The Capitu Series).
Title Shift: By naming the series Capitu instead of Dom Casmurro, Carvalho shifts the focus toward the "obscure object" of Bentinho's jealousy, inviting a modern re-examination of her character. Seriado Capitu - Luis Fernado de Carvalho
Luis Fernando de Carvalho approaches this question by removing the text and leaving only the face—specifically, the eyes. Beyond the Glance: Unpacking the Genius of "Seriado
Shift in Focus: By naming the series after the female lead instead of the novel's title, Carvalho shifts the lens toward the "obscure object" of Bento's desire. That artist is Luis Fernando de Carvalho ,
Carvalho's adaptation also explores themes of love, jealousy, and betrayal, which are central to Machado de Assis's novel. The director's use of symbolism, particularly the recurring motif of the window, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. The window serves as a metaphor for Bentinho's perception of reality, as well as his feelings of confinement and isolation.
The 2008 miniseries , directed by Luiz Fernando Carvalho , is widely regarded as a milestone in Brazilian television. Produced by Rede Globo as part of the project, it served as a tribute to the centenary of Machado de Assis’s death, adapting his masterpiece novel Dom Casmurro
The soundtrack is a character in itself, blending classical opera with indie rock (including tracks by The Beirut and Elephant Micah). This anachronism bridges the 19th-century setting with modern sensibilities, proving that Machado’s themes of doubt and jealousy are timeless [2, 11].