The Joke by Michael Tunes

Title/Year:                 The Joke / 1969
Director/Birth Country/Year Born:     Jaromil Jires / Czechoslovakia / 1935
Budget: unknown
Gross: unknown
Synopsis: Ludvik a former member of the Communist Party was expelled from the University by some colleagues. He sent a letter to his girlfriend, with jokes that were politically incorrect and were seen by the committee that was used against him. Fifteen years later he is trying to seek revenge on one of his accusers by seducing his wife.
Narrative and Visual Keywords: Historic, culture, political, bright, calm,
Characterization/ Dialogue:  Ludvik Jahn, an isolated man, researcher who is obsessed with the past and is revenge driven.
Camera/lighting/editing technique: The past is shot in P.O.V. with his narrative in both past and in the present. As if his mind is dwelling in the past.
 Political/ Social Commentary:  The film shows the life a decision from just a letter with jokes can lead you down a different past. Treated non-communist and belittled.
Historical Relevance/ Recognition: The viewpoint of Communist Party, who should be inside and removed. The think people who are anti communist need to be reformed by joining the army.

1. Ludvik attitude is a strong worker, the film mostly shows his time in the military. The commanders are really pushy trying to discipline the men to become reformed.

2. Ludvik has what you can call flash backs of the past, that tie together with the present as if he is reminded of it, in return it’s adding more to his drive to seek revenge.

3. The main character doesn’t seem in control of his destiny, being pushed away from the life and woman he wanted. The viewpoint of the character changed over the time. He has become very cynical but still in support of the communist party just unpleased with the ways to reform or accuse people.