Maškaráda

The set design is stripped down to the bone; for Lermontov's story set in luxurious noble estates, one would expect some castle arrangements, but here it looks more like scenes from a post-World War III fallout shelter. The male characters chain-smoke one cigarette after another, so if I were in the West, I might suspect the production of massive influence from tobacco lobbyists. On the positive side, the excellent character acting of practically everyone involved, led by Otakar Brousek, remains a highlight. Overall impression: 50%. (10/02/2009)