The work of renowned Hungarian screenwriter and director Miklos Jancso has grown increasingly enigmatic since his first film in 1958. Jézus Krisztus horoszkópja is no exception to this rule. Jancso emphasizes highly evocative and ambiguous imagery over dialog or exposition. Here he seems primarily interested in showing the painful, stunted lives of Hungary's intellectuals, who are shown as remaining silent and ineffectual during various political crises. There are several action sequences involving chases and shootouts, but since there's no clear narrative we're not sure how they relate to each other or to anything else. The film is, however, visually fascinating, with shots of police cars, horses, and naked bodies juxtaposed and extensive use of multiple video imagery. The camera work is dazzling. This kind of film is obviously not aimed at general audiences. Fans of Jancso and those interested in experimental filmmaking will find it a difficult but rewarding experience.
by Clarke Fountain
synopsis
