Lottery and cinema: how the grand prize is portrayed on the big screen

Cinema has always had a fascination with the lottery. In many films, the winning ticket serves as the pivot of a plot, leading ordinary characters on a transformative journey, full of twists and valuable lessons. Let's explore how the grand prize is portrayed on the big screen and its role in cinematic narratives.

It Could Happen to You (1994)

In many cases, the lottery ticket serves as a plot device, allowing the screenplay to explore themes such as ambition, greed, joy, and despair. In the movie "It Could Happen to You" (1994), for example, the protagonist, played by Nicolas Cage, is a policeman who wins the lottery and faces a series of challenging situations, leading him to question whether wealth truly brings happiness.

Lottery Ticket (2010)

On the other hand, in "Lottery Ticket" (2010), two childhood friends share a lottery ticket that wins the grand prize. However, due to a series of unfortunate events, the ticket is lost, which leads to a frantic search and a series of comic adventures. The lottery ticket here acts as a catalyst for actions and character development, exploring themes of friendship, loyalty, and honesty.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

One of the most iconic films in this sense is "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971), where the 'golden ticket', which offers a trip to a magical factory, is practically an allegory of the lottery. Although the 'prize' here is an experience rather than money, the concept is similar. Each character who finds a golden ticket undergoes a personal transformation, emphasizing the idea that winning the lottery is not necessarily synonymous with success or happiness.

And in Brazilian cinema?

When exploring the representation of the lottery in cinema, it is imperative to mention Brazilian cinema. This, with its rich and multifaceted narratives, also embraced the theme of the lottery, presenting it through various prisms.

Till Luck Do Us Part (2012)

Firstly, we can mention the film "Till Luck Do Us Part" (2012). This comedy, directed by Roberto Santucci, presents the story of a man who wins the lottery and finds himself lost in a sea of riches. However, through uncontrolled spending and poor investment decisions, he ends up losing everything. The film uses the lottery as a tool to explore financial irresponsibility, comedy, and family drama, showing how sudden wealth can complicate family and personal relationships.

The Man Who Challenged the Devil (2007)

Secondly, we have "The Man Who Challenged the Devil" (2007). The film, based on the work of Ariano Suassuna, portrays the life of a northeastern wanderer who, among various adventures, wins the lottery thanks to a number given to him in a dream. This film not only uses the lottery to explore the aspect of luck and superstition but also portrays the main character's relationship with money and how he uses his prize to help others.

Cat's Cradle (2002)

Lastly, "Cat's Cradle" (2002) also deserves mention. In this film, a group of friends finds a winning lottery ticket. What follows is a suspense filled with twists and turns, as friendship is tested by the prospect of sudden wealth. Here, the lottery is used to explore loyalty, betrayal, and the depth of human greed.

Movies and lotteries

These films use the lottery as a plot device, each addressing the theme in a unique way. They explore various aspects, from financial irresponsibility to issues of loyalty, greed, and the essence of humanity when confronted with sudden wealth.

In conclusion, cinema uses the lottery as a mechanism to explore human desires, the ups and downs of luck, and how we deal with drastic changes in life. While some films portray winning the lottery as a life-changing blessing, others see it as a disguised curse, bringing more problems than solutions.

It is used to explore deeper issues about human nature and our relationship with money. These films reflect our aspirations, fears, and values in a way that is both entertaining and illuminating.

In all these films, there is a recurring theme: the lottery is more than just winning money. It is an event that tests the characters' character and triggers a series of life-changing events.

Thus, the lottery in cinema serves as a mirror, reflecting our longings, fears, and hopes, providing not only entertainment but also reflection on the nature of luck, wealth, and happiness.