The cloud-filled opening sequence from Brazil. All of Gilliam s important themes tend to materialize, or at least become evident, in this pivotal work. The optimistic fantasy images versus the pessimistic images of modernity's duality is no exception here.
Brazil opens and closes with the same peaceful shot of blue sky and stratospheric clouds.
Due to that film s connection with Nazism and fascism ideological views the bureaucratic state of Brazil seems built on the cloud shot becomes problematic. The cloud-filled opening sequence from Leni Riefenstahl's Triumph of the Will. Many scenes in Brazil suggest the failure of modernity. An early example is the scene in which Sam prepares to go to work. He has all the modern gadgets that turn on automatically and are designed to make life that much easier.