Frequently Asked Questions

9. What do all the signs say?

Few of the propaganda signs were in the original script of Brazil. They can be credited to co-scriptwriter Charles McKeown, who played Sam's smarmy co-worker at Information Retrieval. Also, most every object in the film has a stencilled part number or Ministry of Information logo on it.

In the Department Of Records:

• "The Truth Shall Make You Free" - on statue.
• "Information - The Key To Prosperity. Ministry Of Information" - sign above security stall.
• "Help The Ministry Of Information Help You" - poster on wall.
• "Be Safe: Be Suspicious" - sign on wall.
• "Loose Talk Is Noose Talk" - poster on the wall of the computer room

Kurtzmann's office:

• "Suspicion Breeds Confidence" - sign.
• Ministry of Information logos are stamped on many of the small items in Kurtzmann's office, such as the teacup given to Lowry and the fishbowl. These are nearly impossible to see on video.

Shangri La Towers:

• "Happiness: We're all in it together" - Billboard (This billboard is copied from a sign that appeared throughout the United States during the depression).
• "Mellowfields. Top Security Holiday Camps. Luxury without fear. Fun without suspicion. Relax in a panic free atmosphere." - advert on wall above children playing.
• "Reality" - graffiti on wall.
• "Shangorilla Towers" - Shangri-la tower's defaced sign.
• "DO NOT FOLD, SPINDLE, MUTILATE" - stencilled on concrete wall inside.

Mr Lime's Office at Info. Retrieval:

• "Trust in haste, Regret at leisure" - poster on wall.
• "Don't suspect a friend, report him" - poster on wall (also seen in both Lint and Kutzmann's offices).

Jack's Office at Info. Retrieval:

• "Who can you trust?" - poster on wall.

Processing Plant:

• "Mind that parcel. Eagle eyes can save a life." - poster on wall.
• "Power today. Pleasure tomorrow." - poster seen when the house gets lifted.

Shopping Mall:

• "Consumers for Christ" - banner carried by band in the mall.
• "Utopia Railways" - ad in the street when Sam blows up the building.
• "Keep your city tidy" - sign on the trash can.

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Brazil FAQ Copyright © 1994 - 1998 David S. Cowen.