Loves of a Blonde (1965)

 Milos Forman's "Loves of a Blonde"


One of the prime examples of Czech New Wave is Milos Forman's 1965 film "Loves of a Blonde." Although its examination of social and political conditions of a totalitarian state are subdued, it comes through in the behavior of its characters. Upon its release, it was one of the most popular films in Czechoslovak. 

The film centers on a young working class woman named Andula, who lives in a fading Czech factory town where the women outnumber the men 16-1. Realizing that the gender disparity is impairing morale and productivity, the factory supervisor arranges for an army officer to organize military maneuvers near the town. After being flirted with by a few military men, Andula sneaks away to sleep with a piano player, falling in love with him. She breaks off with her current boyfriend and has to heard a speech about fidelity from her dormitory housemother. She leaves and arrives unannounced to the piano player's parents' home, much to their chagrin.

Many film scholars have noted themes centered around "the impermanence of young love, the confusion and despair of middle age, and the gulf between the generations." The film's depiction of everyday life under a totalitarian state allows for commentary on said state through the depiction of its inhabitants. Our characters are trapped by their circumstances - Andula with her shoemaking factory and her dormitory, for example. Because of this, they are alienated and misguided. Through the various personal relationships and interactions, this comes through the awkwardness and uncertainty with which each character behaves. Essentially, it is a film observing the quiet repression of varying generations and types of people.

Despite having a tonal similarity to the New Wave sweeping Europe at the time, "Loves of a Blonde" is more akin to a realist piece. Its use of non-professional actors, improvised dialogue, and documentary-style cinematography all realize this notion. This realist perspective certainly lends credence to its thematic ideas revolving around how behavior is affected by socio-political oversight.



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