- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
-
4 out of 5
Focusing on the antics of some lonely Prague neighbours, Jan Svankmajer's darkly subversive satire explores everything from de Sade and Freud to the nature of political freedom, the influence of the media and the possibility of happiness in a world primed to prevent it. From the man making papier-mâché chickens out of porn mags and umbrellas to the postwoman with a bagful of breadcrumbs, the gallery of eccentrics is both sinister and sympathetic; the performances are all the more remarkable considering each curious fantasy is acted out in silence. Exhilarating, unnerving and, even without the trademark animation, very Svankmajer.
Plot Summary
Experimental fantasy comedy. Behind closed doors, six seemingly normal Prague residents indulge in meticulously planned, highly unusual and deeply obsessive fetishistic activities.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Mr Peony
- Petr Meissel
- Mrs Loubalova
- Gabriela Wilhelmova
- Mrs Malkova the postmistress
- Barbara Hrzanova
- Mrs Beltinska the newscaster
- Anna Wetlinska
- Mr Kula the news vendor
- Jiri Labus
- Mr Beltinska the police commissioner
- Pavel Novy
Crew
- Director
- Jan Svankmajer
- Share this episode
-