Kleber Mendonca addresses 'secret agent' title: 'I chose it'

Kleber Mendonca recently talked about the thought process of calling his upcoming movie, The Secret Agent.

Speaking about his new film, The Secret Agent, which marks his third Palme d'Or nomination, Brazilian director Kleber Mendonca Filho engaged in a candid conversation with Screen Daily.

When asked if the "film's title" resonating "strongly in the collective imagination, particularly with mainstream cinema" was "intentional," Mendonca Filho replied, “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

“I chose it because it's mysterious, exciting and sexy, which makes sense after you see the film. But I promise there won't be any new gadgets introduced,” he confirmed, seemingly referencing common tropes associated with secret agent narratives in mainstream cinema.

The interviewer then pointed out the unexpected nature of the title, given that "secret agents aren't generally associated with Brazil."

Mendonca Filho addressed this, stating, “From the point of view of cultural and entertainment production, no. But in Brazil there’s a lot of mystery, intrigue and people who play various roles. All the raw material for the story I wrote is extremely Brazilian. No imported elements.”