Directed by:
Emil HristowScreenplay:
Vladislav TodorovCinematography:
Krum RodriguezCast:
Mihail Bilalov, Rousy Chanev, Samuel Finzi, Vladislav Todorov, Mihail Mutafov, Rushi Vidinliev, Deyan DonkovPlots(1)
This darkly comic evocation of communist absurdities circa 1989 follows the fortunes of an amoral, almost Tom Ripley-esque opportunist and his initially state-decreed, later self-mandated adventures in surveillance. Based on scriptwriter Vladislav Todorov’s novel Zincograph, referenced within the film as a key underground text, this debut feature from Bulgarian helmer Emil Christov creates an alternate reality that juxtaposes Kafkaesque bureaucratic illogic with the murderous whimsy of an off-the-wall freelancer. Composed as a series of surreal shocks, it rapidly changes tones alongside its fearlessly imitative hero. Batka (Ruscen Vidinliev) is recruited by the secret police to gather intel on a weirdo group of “new thinkers,” where counterintuitive feminism and vaginal speculums hold sway. But Batka’s imagination soars far beyond the confines of his role. (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)
(more)Cast
Mihail Bilalov
Best movies:
A sega nakade? (1988)
The Color of the Chameleon (2012)
Rousy Chanev
Bulgaria
Best movies:
Time of Violence (1988)
Ikonostasat (1969)
The Color of the Chameleon (2012)
Samuel Finzi
Bulgaria
Best movies:
Generation War (2013) (series)
One Life (2023)
The Captain (2017)
Vladislav Todorov
Bulgaria
Best movies:
Zift (2008)
The Color of the Chameleon (2012)
Mihail Mutafov
Bulgaria
Best movies:
Zift (2008)
Omnipresent (2017)
The Color of the Chameleon (2012)
Rushi Vidinliev
Best movies:
The Color of the Chameleon (2012)
Reign of the Gargoyles (2007) (TV movie)
The Russian Specialist (2005)
Deyan Donkov
Bulgaria
Best movies:
Losers (2015)
Footsteps in the Sand (2010)
The Color of the Chameleon (2012)