Cast: Vlastimil Brodský, Stella Zázvorková, Stanislav Zindulka, Ondrej Vetchý
Director: Vladimír Michálek
Producers: Jirí Bartoska, Jaroslav Boucek, Jaroslav Kucera
Screenplay: Jirí Hubac
Cinematography: Martin Strba
Music: Michal Lorenc
U.S. Distributor: First Look Pictures Releasing
In Czech with subtitles
There are two ways in which elderly people typically approach their "golden years" - either with a calm resignation and acceptance of the approach of death or by ignoring the physical evidence and moving forward as if they were not much closer to the end than the beginning. In Autumn Spring, director Vladimír Michálek argues that those in the former category are in the grave long before their hearts have stopped beating. Only those who embrace every moment with a joie de vivre, careless of the approach of the Grim Reaper, make their last years more than a sojourn in Death's waiting room.
Frantisek (Vlastimil Brodský) has been a cut-up all his life, and things are no different now that he's in his twilight years. He and his best friend, Ed (Stanislav Zindulka), enjoy playing con games with real estate agents. They pretend they're a famous maestro and his assistant and act as if they're interested in buying an expensive mansion. Unfortunately, during their latest such scam, Frantisek makes a mistake and the real estate agent figures out what's happening. He demands that Franktisek pay him for his wasted time, and, since the elderly man doesn't have that kind of money, he goes to his wife, Emilie (Stella Zázvorková) for it. Since she disapproves of her husband's scams, the loan comes with a lecture. Unchastened, Frantisek proceeds with his next con - faking his own death. Emilie decides this is the final straw, and files for divorce. Realizing he could lose his wife (whom he loves) and his marriage, Frantisek decides to turn over a new leaf. He gives up all of his vices and ends up becoming the kind of man he always despised - someone sitting at the window waiting for the hearse to drive up.
Certainly, there are dramatic aspects to Autumn Spring, but the majority of the film is designed as a black comedy. Frantisek's antics, not to mention his cutting, off-the-cuff comments, are often amusing, and occasionally uproarious. His faked death may be traumatic for his family, but, for those of us who are in on the con, it's very funny. The movie assumes a certain sophistication from its audience, and also demands that viewers not be afraid of a screenplay with an edge.
Autumn Spring deals openly and honestly with what it's like to be living when the years ahead can be counted on one's fingers. The two approaches to closing out one's life are typified by Frantisek and Emilie. He won't discuss death, funeral plans, or anything to do with departing this mortal life. She has meticulously planned out everything, even going so far as to take a hand in drafting her own death announcement. Their son, Jara (Ondrej Vetchý), acts like a circling vulture. He wants their apartment so he can have a place for his ex-wife and children to live. Frantisek refuses to give up his home; Emilie thinks it's a good idea to move into a retirement community while they're both relatively healthy.
All three of the film's principles are veterans of Czech cinema, and their acting experience is evident. It takes little time for them to inhabit their characters and for us to accept them as "real" individuals. In a case of tragic irony, Vlastimil Brodský killed himself less than a year after completing the film, essentially leaving this motion picture as his suicide note.
Autumn Spring manages the rare achievement of provoking audience members to tears and laughter during the course of its 95 minute running time. The film will almost certainly speak most strongly to those viewers whose age approximates those of the characters, but the narrative and performances are strong enough to involve anyone who gives this motion picture a chance.
© 2003 James Berardinelli