One of Muratova’s strangest films. Two stories capriciously represent and contradict each other. Nowhere else does Muratova so urgently ask for the collaboration of the viewer, whom she makes a co-author. The film is seen by some as contemporary art.
The first part is filmed as a play on stage, the second as a carnivalesque spectacle. First, the viewers are the audience of a play being staged at a theatre in the province. Later, they see the fireworks heralding the new year. The first act is like a Shakespearean tragedy with themes from Hamlet, played by amateurs. The second act is like a Shakespearean comedy, in which famous actors shine and ham it up. In the first act, Muratova chooses improvisation. The second act is presented as a show, full of intermezzos and burlesque.
When the curtain rises, the actors either play grotesquely or pseudo-psychologically. As such, Muratova confuses the viewers, who don’t know if they are watching theatre or a ‘real’ film. Here she not only explodes genres, but also art forms.
Film details
- Country of production
- Ukraine
- Year
- 2007
- Festival edition
- IFFR 2013
- Length
- 130"
- Medium/Format
- 35mm
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