Movie spotlight
Montenegro
Marilyn Jordan, an American, lives in Stockholm with her Swedish husband and family. Her behavior is bizarre, perhaps mad: she poisons the dog's milk and advises the dog not to drink it; she sets the sheets afire as her husband sleeps; she crawls under the dining table to sing. While detained at airport customs for carrying pruning shears, she meets a young Yugoslav woman and goes with her to a Gypsy enclave where she's fought over, takes a lover, helps with the sordid entertainment at a bar, and returns home more dangerous than before. The film also tells parallel stories of Marilyn's daughter becoming a junior homemaker as the young immigrant practices her striptease.
Insights
Plot Summary
A bored, unfulfilled housewife from suburbia finds herself drawn into a peculiar and vibrant world when she encounters a group of mysterious Yugoslavian immigrants. What begins as a curious escape from her mundane life soon spirals into a surreal and darkly comedic journey of self-discovery and rebellion against societal expectations.
Critical Reception
Montenegro received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its unique style, Anspach's performance, and Makavejev's unconventional direction. However, some found its surrealism and thematic elements to be eccentric and occasionally challenging to interpret. Audiences were similarly divided, appreciating its boldness but sometimes put off by its eccentricities.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its eccentric and daring directorial style.
Susan Anspach's performance as the alienated housewife is a standout.
The film's surreal and darkly comedic tone can be both intriguing and off-putting.
Google audience: Audience reviews for Montenegro are scarce, but generally highlight its unconventional nature and thought-provoking themes, with some viewers appreciating its unique artistic vision while others found it too strange or difficult to connect with.
Fun Fact
The film's title refers to the then-Yugoslav republic, and its themes often explore cultural clashes and individual liberation.
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