The symbol-laden works of the celebrated and award-winning Hungarian director Miklós Jancsó evoke esteem from many critics, and rolled eyes from others: this film is no different in that regard. In the story, which is set immediately after the departure of Russian "advisors" from Hungary and the downfall of its communist government, two television newsmen have come to view the scene at a recently abandoned police academy. They find an odd crew of people, including the uncle of one of them and various people loyal to political factions of the new Hungary. Oddest of all is the naked woman who wanders nonchalantly through the scene. While they are admiring the chaotic scene, some communist soldiers come in and kill them all. Then we see that this is just a screening of the unfinished rushes by director Jancsó and his crew, when they, in turn, are gunned down.
by Clarke Fountain
synopsis
