Ubu Roi
Based on Alfredy Jarrry's 1896 play about a greedy, overweight, selfish dude named Pere Ubu. The story follows Ubu on his journey to overthrow the current ruler and become King of Poland. Along the way he betrays many of his followers, taxes the civilians to an unreasonable degree and eventually slaughters everyone. Along his side, is the equally crude but somehow more likable Mere Ubu, who's like a foul mouthed Lady Macbeth.
Insights
Plot Summary
This surreal and absurdist television adaptation of Alfred Jarry's infamous play follows the grotesque and power-hungry Père Ubu, who, with the encouragement of his equally vulgar wife, Mère Ubu, murders King Wenceslas of Poland to seize the throne. Their reign is marked by extreme greed, cruelty, and a complete disregard for morality, leading to chaos and eventual downfall.
Critical Reception
Jean-Christophe Averty's adaptation of 'Ubu Roi' was a groundbreaking and highly experimental television production that pushed the boundaries of the medium. It was praised for its audacious visual style and its faithful, albeit shocking, representation of Jarry's provocative play, though its avant-garde nature made it challenging for mainstream audiences.
What Reviewers Say
- A visually audacious and highly experimental adaptation that captures the anarchic spirit of the original play.
- Praised for its bold use of television as an artistic medium, integrating live action with animation and visual effects.
- Deemed shocking and controversial for its time due to its crude humor and dark, satirical themes.
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Fun Fact
Jean-Christophe Averty's adaptation famously utilized early television techniques such as electronic manipulation, colorization, and freeze-frames to create its distinctive, disorienting visual style, making it a landmark in experimental television.
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