Masters of Cinema: Miloš Forman's Early Works

September 29, 2012, 1:00 PM

The National Gallery of Art will explore Forman's Czech works in a special afternoon showcasing The Firemen's Ball (Hoří, má panenko) on September 29 at 1 pm, followed by Black Peter (Černý Petr) at 3 pm, and Loves of a Blonde (Lásky jedné plavovlásky), at 4:45 pm at the Gallery's East Building Auditorium. Before coming to the United States, Miloš Forman received international acclaim as one of the leaders of the Czech New Wave, a movement that featured some of the most attractive films produced in Europe at that time.

The Fireman's Ball
A provincial fire department's annual ball erupts in mayhem—raffle prizes are pilfered, the beauty pageant goes awry, the contestants' carousing fathers drink too much—and outside in the town, a house burns down. For a humorously unassuming political allegory, The Fireman's Ball suffered one of the most unusual fates in film history. Not only was the president of Czechoslovakia outraged by its satirical tone, but thousands of volunteer firemen threatened to strike after it opened. Ultimately, the film was banned. (DIR. Miloš Forman, Horí, má panenko, 1967, 71 min., Czech with English subtitles)

Black Peter
Forman's first full feature was filmed in a small town with a nonprofessional cast who improvised much of their dialogue. Inspired by the vérité approach of Italian neorealism, Black Peter centers on a shy but sympathetic young store clerk who, assigned to apprehend shoplifters, lacks the nerve to confront anyone. Its warmth, ironic humor, and realism were a hit with viewers and, though criticized by the regime, the film was selected as the best picture of 1963 by Czech film critics. (DIR. Miloš Forman, Cerný Petr, 1963, 85 min., Czech with English subtitles)