Banánhéjkeringö (1987)
Release Year: 1987
Nation: Hungary
Alternative Title: Banana Skin Waltz, Bananskalvalsen, Walc na skórce banana
Director: Péter Bacsó, Tamás Tolmár
Writer: Péter Bacsó
Production & Genre
Story
In 'Banánhéjkeringö', a typist at a government office suffers a nervous breakdown and leaves her workplace naked. A young physician, passing by, covers her with his coat but unwittingly does so in front of an anti-communist demonstration, drawing unwanted political attention to the incident. The doctor is subsequently arrested by the suspicious police despite his innocence. After being released, he embarks on a journey of disillusionment and rebellion against the communist state. He rejects a scholarship offered by the state, exposes his boss's corruption in their hospital, and ends his affair with the wife of a communist chief. The film culminates in a surreal dance scene involving all its characters at 'Lipótmezõ', a mental institution in Hungary.
Summary
'Banánhéjkeringö' is a Hungarian comedy-drama that critiques the socialist system through absurdist humor and surrealism. Directed by Péter Bacsó and Tamás Tolmár, the film follows the disillusionment of a young physician after he becomes unwittingly embroiled in political controversy due to his attempt to help a naked woman. The movie is filled with sarcastic criticism of communist Hungary, culminating in a Bunuel-like surreal dance scene involving all its characters at 'Lipótmezõ', symbolizing the chaos and absurdity of society.
