Movie spotlight
How to Get Rid of Helenka
Radio announcer Petrícek reads the evening news in a studio. Viki, the female editor of a woman's program, is annoyed by the stereotypical information he provides as well as by the speaker's melodious voice and his heart-felt performance. Then she gets an idea for a prank. She calls the speaker from the neighboring room on the phone and pretends to be an unhappily married woman who draws all her strength to live from Petrícek's voice.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young man named Petar, disillusioned with his life in Czechoslovakia, decides to emigrate to Canada. To facilitate his departure, he plans to marry a woman who will then be able to follow him. His sights are set on Helenka, a spirited young woman. However, Helenka has her own ideas about her future, and Petar's plan quickly becomes complicated by her strong will and the unexpected turns of fate.
Critical Reception
"How to Get Rid of Helenka" received mixed to positive reviews upon its release, with critics often praising its satirical edge and the performances of its lead actors. While some found its narrative somewhat meandering, many appreciated its commentary on personal freedom and societal expectations in socialist Czechoslovakia. The film is generally considered a noteworthy example of Czech New Wave cinema, though not as widely known internationally as some of its contemporaries.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its dark humor and satirical depiction of societal constraints.
Noted for strong performances, particularly from the lead actress.
Some critics found the pacing and plot development to be uneven.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film was directed by Vojtech Jasný, who was a significant figure in the Czechoslovak New Wave movement, known for his visually distinctive and thematically rich films.
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