Sedmikrasky (Daisies/1966)
Director:Vera Chytilvoa/Birth Country:Czechoslovakia (Now Czech Republic)/Year Born:1929
Budget:Unknown
Gross: Unknown - Instantly Banned in Czechoslovakia upon its release.
Synopsis:Two girls that go by the same name, Marie, set out to destroy everything they touch. Fed up with the state of the world around them they make the choice to let loose. They figure the world is bad, so they can be bad too!
Narrative and Visual Keywords:This feminist farse is a visual onslaught on the senses using all kinds of film color treatments and a disjointed story structure to keep the audience in the world of these disturbed young girls.
Characterization/ Dialogue: Talk about a couple of characters. Marie and Marie are free thinking feminist girls not afraid to speak their mind and act the fool in public. Their back and forth banter is witty and at times confusing.
Camera/lighting/editing technique
The camera was often static and the cuts were never too jumpy. The action in the frame and the ever changing color treatment from shot to shot caused quite enough of a jolt to the viewer. One of the most high energy films of its time. Never a dull moment.
Political/ Social Commentary
Sedmikrasky was black listed right out the gate. "Daisies was labeled as "depicting the wanton" by the Czech authorities and then banned. Director Chytilová was forbidden to work in homeland until 1975." (Wikipedia)
Historical Relevance/ Recognition
Coming out of WWII Vera took a stand and made a statement about the state of the world and her country. She was bold in her depiction of women which dealt the blow that ended her career.
Notable Collaboration
Her husband Jaroslav Kucera, was a collaborator on many of her films. Ester Krumbachova and Pavel Juracek co wrote "Daisies" with Vera.
1. What are the characters’ attitudes toward work/ What is their work ethic like?
These girls have NO work ethic whatsoever. Eat drink and be merry, and at older rich men's expense is there motto!
2. Were you able to distinguish the use of symbols/ What story elements seemed surreal?
The elaborate wardrobe changes, color treated film and bouncy score all felt very surreal. The statement about "We don't exist" could have meant for some, if you don't have a purpose do you really exist? What is the point? The way they manipulated older men to get what they wanted could be a snap shot of the state that Czech found itself in. In and after war times morals seem to go out the window.
3. Does the main character seem in control of his/her own destiny? In relation to the individualist vs. the communist perspective? Does the character have a viewpoint concerning the divine or "God"?
No real mention of God that I recall. A hint at the tree of knowledge in the beginning and choosing to "be bad" was stated. The main characters don't seem in total control of their whims but they are also not oppressed by anyone either. They are free to roam about and reek havoc. A hint at it all ending badly for them when they are found in the river and no one helping them but they are then given a second chance to "make right" the mess they have caused. I delightful and at times baffling film.
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