This is a full-length long feature made by Srdjan Karanovic,one of the most celebrated Yugoslav writers-directors of 70tees and 80tees. Karanovic, who was a Prague student (generation with Emir Kusturica, Goran Paskaljevic and Goran Markovic - all of them internationally recognized) was always known as an advanced intellectual who treats his realistic stories with merciless irony. This movie is a story inspired by the true events during the raise of nationalism in ex-Yugoslavia in late 80tees, story of a possible romance between Serbian Guy and Albanian girl - whose nations are in conflict. Despite their good will and naivety, the avalanche of chauvinist-driven emotions burst out from their surrounding and produce very dark,tragic and comic events. In the middle of that chaos a movie-director character is trying to shoot the film about them, and it deepens the chaos even more. This film won "Altin Lale" award at Istanbul Film festival, and although it looked funny and comic for the intellectuals of the day and entertaining for the audience in Yugoslavia, the nationalism before the civil war of the 90tees was already risen to a level where this kind of self-critic and irony was not welcome any more. Film had controversial reviews and caused a pause in the carrier of this very talented director. Srdjan Karanovic was forced to fly abroad to USA and come back after the civil war in Balkans was finished. By its tone and story-telling style, this film is more likely good for the European and Asian,rather than western audience.
Review of A Film with No Name
A Film with No Name
(1988)
Advice: Don't attack the chauvinists, or you'll be crucified.
8 March 2009