Movie spotlight
Underground and Emigrants
In this film, outspokenly homosexual filmmaker Rosa von Praunheim has documented his encounters with friends in the New York "underground" arts movement, the better-known of whom are William Burroughs (who says nothing for the camera), Andy Warhol (seen in the distance) and Fernando Arrabal (who is interviewed in Spanish). The emigrants named in the title are notable Germans who left the country before World War II, such as Greta Keller and Grete Mosheim. Reviewers at the time of the film's release considered it to have been a sort of paid vacation for the filmmaker rather than a serious effort. (Clarke Fountain, Rovi)
Insights
Plot Summary
Set against the backdrop of post-WWII Hungary, the film follows the life of a young woman named Ilona who navigates the complexities of rebuilding her life. She grapples with the loss of her family and the societal changes occurring around her. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the search for belonging in a fractured world.
Critical Reception
Márta Mészáros's 'Underground and Emigrants' was critically acclaimed for its poignant portrayal of post-war Hungarian society and its deep dive into the protagonist's inner turmoil. Reviewers praised its nuanced storytelling and evocative atmosphere.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its sensitive direction and strong lead performance.
Lauded for its unflinching look at the psychological toll of historical upheaval.
Recognized for its contribution to European cinema and its exploration of female resilience.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented through specific Google user reviews for this older international film.
Fun Fact
Márta Mészáros's films often explore the experiences of women in Hungary, and 'Underground and Emigrants' is a significant early work in her career that established her distinctive directorial voice.
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