I don't remember seeing them in Russia.  Not the plastic ones.  Maybe people busted out their nice linen ones for the Americans or something.  Or I could be amnesiac.  Or blocked the terrible memory from my mind.

This may have a more cynical reason: a lack of hope that politics would address these issues, and/or a feeling that problems are 'deeper' than public policy. So what you say about social realism could get a new meaning: the filmmakers see the problem deeply entrenched in society (which is both a product of and a producer of the individuals' attitudes).

I agree.  That's a very good point.

its effect was used consciouses and became typical of Central European film in the eighties, in a slate of incredibly depressing films.

So do you think it's related that genre?  I was just noting that it doesn't seem to be dimly lit to drive home the depressing stuff, but to drive home the gritty realism.  Film is lighting, so lighting is never unintentional, it's always a choice.  Of course, lack of funds influences your choices.  :)

How I Celebrated the End of the World

Super - thanks!

BTW, I saw The Peculiarities of National Fishing.  Funny stuff.


"Pretending that you already know the answer when you don't is not actually very helpful." ~Migeru.