Archive of films Autumn Spring / Babí léto
Czech Republic
2001, 97 min
Section:
Variety Critics´ Choice
Year: 2002
A defiant pensioner is driving his beloved wife mad. The falsely dignified Fanda, with the help of old friend and former theatre colleague Eda, indulges in a spot of role-playing. Czech mega-stars , Brodský, Zázvorková and Zindulka bring touches of true charm to this subdued comedy about the autumn of life.
Synopsis
A mellowly defiant pensioner risks alienating his exasperated wife of 44 years in the deftly low-key comedy "Autumn Spring," which reps an expertly old-school return to form for helmer Vladimír Michálek and cameraman Martin Štrba. Aided and abetted by his longtime chum and former theatre colleague Eda (Stanislav Zindulka), deceptively dignified 75-year-old Fanda Hana (Vlastimil Brodský) likes to pretend to be someone else, imperiously touring a country estate up for sale or posing as ticket inspectors on the Prague subway. Although Fanda bickers constantly with his wife, Emílie (Stella Zázvorkova), their bond is palpable. With some 125 years of screen experience among them, Brodský, Zázvorková and Zindulka have filled their performances to the brim with underplayed yet mischievous grace notes. Eddie Cockrell
About the film
Black & white, 35 mm
Section: | Variety Critics´ Choice |
---|---|
Director: | Vladimír Michálek |
Screenplay: | Jiří Hubač |
Dir. of Photography: | Martin Štrba |
Music: | Michal Lorenc |
Editor: | Jiří Brožek |
Producer: | Jaroslav Kučera, Jiří Bartoška, Jaroslav Bouček |
Production: | Česká televize (Czech TV), BKP Film, BUC FILM |
Cast: | Vlastimil Brodský, Stella Zázvorková, Stanislav Zindulka, Ondřej Vetchý, Petra Špalková, Zita Kabátová, Jiří Lábus, Simona Stašová |