The 4th Greek International Film Festival Tour (Canada) is rather unique in that it is Canada wide showing in 11 Canadian cities from 1-31 October2024.
There are comedic if not absurdist elements to the film but it is interwoven with strong implied warnings of substance abuse as a destructive force even if the victim believes the substance is a lightning rod to creativity.
Angelo (Michalis Kaliatsos) is an Athenian poet ghost writing for a well known author. On his moped he is hit by a horoscope obsessed driver who fails to notice stop signs. Injured, almost unable to walk, he must recuperate at home under the care of his mother the sarcastic and caustic Mrs. Efterpi (Eleni Gerasimidou).
The sleeping pills prescribed to Angelo cause him to speak in his sleep in a completely coherent fashion. Angelo has recurring dreams he hears confessions and advises mostly women. Unknown to Angelo Mrs. Efterpi arranges for Angelo (for a fee) to hear confessions from various people some seeking advice on extramarital affairs, if their dog loves them or if their husband is cheating on them et al. Angelo, being a poet advises his “clients” in poetic language and his poetry vastly improves and his advice is impressive. He is quite a “Pythia” i.e., Pythia was an oracle in Delphi whose advice was often sought concerning the outcome of war or politics. Mrs. Efterpi decorates his room with all manner of religious artifacts giving him a mystical aura.
His doctor, Dr. (Maria Kechagioglou) advises him to cease taking his sleeping pills and agreeing to do so his poetry and advice to his “clients” hits the skids but back on the pills his “brilliance” reignites. He dumps his publisher and joins another “marketing guru” seeking to build an image of a “sleepwalking poet”, a veritable Stephen Hawking of poetry which includes having him tilt his head at a strange angle.
Where does savvy marketing end and fraud begin? Is there a price to be paid for drug induced “creativity”? Where does drug infused creativity begin and does it end in self destruction? What is the price to be paid for financial success? Think Janis, Kurt, Ernest and Johhny Rotten to name a few.
Priceless comedy at the beginning of the film with a gaggle of bumbling poets facing the scathing sarcasm of Mrs. Efterpi and at its ending with a bizarre dance number with Angelo and his physician. In between social commentary on fame, substance abuse, marketing, greed and manipulation of both the individual and the public. A good reason to appreciate Greek cinema. Often there is nothing like it.
In Greek with English subtitles.
Directed by Vasilis Riasis who holds a Masters and PHD in Philosophy and History of Sciences.
RKS 2024 Film Rating 91/100.
For screening information and tickets https://gifft.ca.
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