The Movies That Made Me THE SECRET AGENT writer/director Kleber Mendonça Filho
Jan 13, 2026
Kleber Mendonça Filho, a Brazilian film director celebrated for films like Bacurau, dives into his cinematic inspirations. He discusses the charm of Small Change and reveals how Australian films like Walkabout shaped his storytelling. Kleber expresses admiration for filmmakers like Herzog, emphasizing the risks of 70s cinema. He also shares insights into creating engaging scenes and the integration of fantasy in films like Gremlins and The Host. Finally, he reflects on the historical significance of works like Cabra Marcado para Morrer, showcasing his profound connection to cinema.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Two-Faced Cat VFX Story
- Kleber explained the cat-with-two-faces in The Secret Agent was a real cat enhanced by five months of CGI work.
- He said many two-faced cats are euthanized in Brazil as bad omens, so they used VFX instead.
Child Actor Bonded Through Jujitsu
- Kleber recounted the child actor Enzo doing jujitsu and bonding with Wagner Moura through that shared skill.
- He credited that connection for breaking the ice and improving their on-screen relationship.
Landscape Shapes Film Logic
- Kleber grouped Walkabout and Wake in Fright as films that create distinct atmospheres from the Australian landscape.
- He said their personal, landscape-driven logic influenced his gas station sequence in The Secret Agent.
