Milan Kundera: From the Joke to Insignificance

This documentary presents all the major works of Milan Kundera and their themes. A Western reader has no idea about his early verses and plays. Until recently, none of his novels written in French were even published in the Czech Republic. What’s more, Kundera is shrouded in a number of myths. Why, since 1985, has he refused to give interviews or appear in the media? Why has he avoided public life? And why is he said to have very few friends? These myths make him seem like a freak of nature, and this documentary film gradually confirms or debunks them while emphasizing Kundera's artistic vision. The film is framed by a "student story" that’s adamant in getting Milan Kundera to do an interview. It gradually becomes more acquainted with his texts and opinions and with his friends and co-workers in order to finally understand that what’s essential and what’s left is his work and not the vicissitudes of life. (Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival)