Chapter 39-40

Chapter 39 – The Night of the Premiere in Brazil

September 7, 2025.

Brazil's Independence Day.

But for Gustavo, this day now had an even greater meaning.

It was the day of Getúlio's premiere in Brazilian theaters.

After its triumphant showing at the Venice Film Festival, the film would finally reach its true audience: the Brazilian people.

And there could not have been a better date.

The event took place in one of the largest movie theaters in São Paulo, which had been prepared for a historic night.

The spotlights illuminated the building's façade, while journalists, photographers and fans crowded together to see the guests arrive.

And what guests!

In addition to Gustavo, Fernando and the entire main cast, several influential names in Brazilian culture came to honor the premiere.

Selton Mello, Fernanda Torres and Walter Salles were the first to arrive, ready to support Gustavo.

Then came Bruna Marquezine, looking very elegant in a black dress.

Luciano Huck and Angélica arrived together, smiling for the photographers.

Anitta appeared soon after, wearing something extravagant, as always.

And President Lula himself, who had already paid tribute to Gustavo at the Planalto Palace, sent a message of support.

The fans went crazy.

— All of Brazil is here today!

— I've never seen such a grand national premiere!

When Gustavo got out of the car and stepped onto the red carpet, the flashes exploded.

He wore an impeccably tailored suit, but, as always, his true shine came from his presence.

The journalists immediately approached.

— Gustavo, what does it mean to premiere this film on Independence Day?

He smiled, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket.

— It means everything. This film is about one of the most important moments in Brazilian history. And today, more than ever, it belongs to the Brazilian people.

— Do you feel the pressure, now that the film is finally reaching the public in your country?

He thought for a moment and answered sincerely:

— I feel responsibility. But also very proud. We did something great here.

And then he entered the theater.

It was time to watch the film together with Brazil.

When the lights in the theater went out, a reverent silence took over the room.

The screen lit up, and the film began.

In the first few minutes, the immersion was total.

The audience was not just watching a film.

They were reliving history.

The recreation of the Vargas Era was perfect, from the costumes to the meticulously reconstructed sets.

But what really caught everyone's attention was Gustavo's performance.

There was no longer Gustavo Salles on the screen.

There was only Getúlio Vargas.

The posture, the tired look, the small calculated gestures…

Everything was frighteningly real.

And then…

The final scene came.

The audience held their breath.

The screen showed Getúlio Vargas sitting at his desk in the Catete Palace, writing his last letter.

The camera slowly zoomed in, while he narrated, in a deep voice full of emotion:

— I leave the legacy of my death to the wrath of my enemies.

In the movie theater, no one dared to move.

Getúlio's eyes (or rather, Gustavo's) shone with a mixture of resignation and sadness.

He continued writing, his voice echoing in the room:

— I regret not having been able to do, for this good and generous Brazilian people, and especially for those most in need, all the good I intended.

The words were spoken with deep pain, as if he were saying goodbye not only to life, but to Brazil.

Then, the camera changed to a close-up.

The revolver was on the table.

Getúlio grabbed it firmly.

A long silence.

And then…

The shot.

The screen went dark.

The silence in the room was absolute.

No one was breathing.

No one was moving.

It was only after a few seconds that the first tears fell.

And then…

The applause began.

The entire room erupted in a standing ovation.

For minutes, the audience applauded non-stop.

Selton Mello wiped his eyes.

Bruna Marquezine was still staring at the screen, speechless.

Luciano Huck and Angélica were holding each other's hands, shocked.

And Gustavo…

Gustavo just stared at all of that, feeling a lump in his throat.

Fernando put a hand on his shoulder and whispered:

— This is bigger than we imagined.

And he knew it was true.

After the screening, journalists rushed to write their first reviews.

Social media went crazy.

— "Getúlio" is not just a movie, it's a historic event!

— The final scene… My God. I still have goosebumps!

— Gustavo Salles was born for this. This guy is going to bring another Oscar to Brazil!

And on the evening news, the headline was clear:

"BRAZIL HAS JUST LAUNCHED A MOVIE FOR HISTORY."

Brazil had never seen anything like it.

And Gustavo knew that, from then on…

Brazilian cinema would never be the same again.

Chapter 40 – The Return to The Tonight Show

November 2025.

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind for Gustavo Salles.

Since the premiere of Getúlio, he has been on a marathon of interviews, events, debates and awards ceremonies.

The film has established itself as one of the most impactful of the year, and critics around the world have already spoken openly about its chances at the Oscars.

And now, he was back where it all began:

On The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.

As soon as Gustavo's name was announced, the audience burst into applause.

He walked on stage with a huge smile, greeting Jimmy Fallon with a big hug.

"Look who's back!" Jimmy said, laughing. "My favorite Brazilian!"

Gustavo laughed and sat down in his chair.

"Thank you very much, man. It's always a pleasure to be here." Jimmy looked at the audience and joked:

— The last time he was here, he became a global phenomenon. Now he's back with one of the most impactful films of the year. Gustavo, you just keep winning!

Gustavo laughed, raising his hands as if he didn't know what to say.

— I'm just going with the flow, Jimmy. I don't know what's going on with my life anymore!

The audience laughed out loud and applauded again.

Jimmy became serious for a moment and looked at Gustavo with admiration.

— Man, I watched "Getúlio".

The audience applauded instantly.

— And I have to tell you… I didn't know this story. But, man, I was completely impacted.

Gustavo smiled, visibly happy with Jimmy's words.

— That was the goal. Many people outside of Brazil don't know this part of our history. So, bringing it to the cinema was a way to show the world who Getúlio Vargas was.

Jimmy nodded.

— Dude, I finished the movie and went straight to researching more about it. That's the power of cinema, right? You watch a movie and feel the need to know more.

Gustavo pointed at him, agreeing.

— Exactly! That's what we wanted. It wasn't just to tell the story, but to make people interested in it.

The audience applauded again.

Jimmy smiled and picked up a card from the table.

— And now, let's talk about what EVERYONE is already saying...

He looked directly at Gustavo, smiling suggestively.

— "Getúlio" has a GREAT chance of being nominated for an Oscar.

The audience screamed in excitement.

Gustavo laughed and raised his hands.

— I hope so!

Jimmy slammed the table excitedly.

— I HOPE?! MAN, THIS IS GOING TO HAPPEN!

Gustavo just laughed, trying to contain his excitement.

Jimmy looked at him with a mischievous smile. "But I heard you made a very… different promise… if you win another Oscar."

Gustavo immediately laughed and ran his hand over his face. "Oh no… Has this leaked yet?"

The audience laughed along with him.

Jimmy picked up a card and read it out loud. "If I win an Oscar, I promised Fernanda Torres that I will do my speech dancing the samba."

The audience burst out laughing.

Gustavo shook his head, laughing. "Okay, okay, it's true. I told Nanda that. And now I'm starting to regret it!"

Jimmy couldn't stop laughing. "MAN, THIS NEEDS TO HAPPEN!"

The audience started shouting in unison: "SAMBA! SAMBA! SAMBA!" G

ustavo threw his head back, laughing out loud.

"Oh my God… What have I done?!"

Jimmy leaned forward, still laughing.

"So, just to make it clear… If you win, will we see Gustavo Salles dancing samba LIVE on the Oscar stage?"

Gustavo took a deep breath, pretending to weigh his decision.

And then, he smiled.

"Okay. If I win… I'll dance samba at the Oscars."

The audience burst into applause and cheers.

Jimmy hit the table laughing so hard.

"I LOVE THIS GUY!"

As the show was coming to an end, Jimmy looked at the camera and said:

"Ladies and gentlemen, if Gustavo Salles wins an Oscar for "Getúlio," he WILL SHOW DANCING ON STAGE."

Gustavo laughed and confirmed:

"Now I can't run away anymore."

Jimmy held out his hand.

— Deal?

Gustavo shook his hand.

— Deal.

The audience went wild.

And so, Gustavo made official a promise that Brazil would never forget.

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