Jiri Menzel Film Retrospective Tours U.S., Showcasing Czech New Wave Director's Work
A touring retrospective celebrating the works of Czech director Jiri Menzel has been making its way across the United States since its debut in New York City in October 1999. Renowned for his Oscar-winning film "Closely Watched Trains" from 1966, Menzel directed a total of 15 feature films, including "Capricious Summer" (1967), "Larks on a String" (1969), and "My Sweet Little Village" (1985). As a prominent figure in the Czech New Wave movement alongside Milos Forman, he collaborated with writer Bohumil Hrabal on four screenplays. Menzel's films are characterized by a blend of irony and humor, often featuring actors like Rudolf Hrusinsky and Nada Urbankova. Notably, "Larks on a String" remained banned until 1990. His most recent film, "The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin," offers a satirical take on Soviet culture.
Key facts
- Jiri Menzel's film retrospective began in New York City in October 1999 and is touring the U.S.
- Menzel won an Oscar for "Closely Watched Trains" in 1966.
- He directed 15 feature films.
- Menzel was part of the Czech New Wave with directors including Milos Forman and Vera Chytilova.
- He collaborated with writer Bohumil Hrabal on four screenplays.
- "Larks on a String" was banned until 1990 for satirizing Communist Czechoslovakia.
- His latest film "The Life and Extraordinary Adventures of Private Ivan Chonkin" adapts a novel by Vladimir Voinovich.
- Menzel's films feature recurring actors like Rudolf Hrusinsky and Nada Urbankova in different roles.
Entities
Artists
- Jiri Menzel
- Milos Forman
- Jan Nemec
- Vera Chytilova
- Jaromil Jires
- Bohumil Hrabal
- Magda Vasaryova
- Jitka Zelenohorska
- Rudolf Hrusinsky
- Nada Urbankova
- Vaclav Neckar
- Josef Somr
- Gennadi Nazarov
- Zoya Buryak
- Vladimir Voinovich
Institutions
- Rude Pravo
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Czechoslovakia
- Soviet Union