Spirtokouto

I became interested in watching Spirtokouto after reading an interview with Yiannis Economidis. I was intrigued by his views on realism and on how films should, among other things, pull no punches when depicting the painfulness of dysfunctional families. In that respect, Spirtokouto is very much on the mark. However, I found the movie started grating on my nerves after about 30 minutes. As it progressed I felt like switching off my DVD, but I finally decided to give Economidis the benefit of the doubt. The movie does have some positive elements. Erricos Litsis (Dimitris) and Eleni Kokkidou (Maria) give very compelling performances and have all the venom you'd expect to see in a middle-aged couple trapped in their marriage. But, unfortunately, after a certain point the shouting and insults start appearing gratuitous. When the movie ended I heaved a sigh of relief, glad that it was over. Spirtokouto is not a good example of modern Greek cinema, despite the fact that Economids is capable of better things.

One of the greater films ever made in Greece.

A "hardcore snapshot" of Greek reality given by excellent performance from the actors.

The raw truth about the roles inside a typical family in modern Greece filmed by a unique way from Giannis Oikonomidis Dimitris,Maria,Kiki,Giorgos,Vagelis and Loukas could be our father, our mother our sister, brother or friend, our neighbour, or the the owner of the store at the corner, who always fighting with his family for no reason. And at the end everybody is happy and they continue there lives like there's nothing happened.

When this movie came out, it polarized audiences due to the heavy and continuous use of vulgar cussing. It was so over the top, that many, even today consider it to be a comedy-an absurd one at that- and you know what? It does come off as one to an extent.

However, if you take the time to look deeper and try to understand the connection with the average modern Greek decadent suburban family, you will discover another layer of filmmaking, full of realism and raw motion. The characters may feel over the top but I believe it was done on purpose, to convey how horrific every-day life for some people can be. From the father and the mother down to their kids, a feeling of pure social decay permeates.

It's this duality that makes the film interesting in my eyes. It doesn't shove its message in your face but it's there for you to discover if you want to take the time. If you just want to spend some time watching excessive cussing and laughing at all the ludicrous situations that unfold, then you're perfectly welcome to do that. The 18 year old me sure did!

The cynical mid-thirties me is lifting the veil of crude comedy to look what's beneath, whenever I stumble on this film in TV.

Its a film about a non ordinary day of a non ordinary family that has maximum tense and zero tolerance for each other. The rhythm is furious and the shocking language keeps the interest to the highest degree. The family is totally non functional and clearly everyone has its own agenda and set of priorities A hot day in the middle of the summer is the perfect ignition for a non stop blame game between members of middle - low class family in an ugly Athenian suburb. Errikos Litsis is simply unforgettable in the role of the father as he has to cope with all members of the family without having any thing to lose any more. There are lines and scenes difficult to forget in this "slice of life" movie by Y. Economides. The language is totally sharp and some times goes to the limit but this is totally supported by the script and by the "stormy" rhythm of the film. Surely the best film of Y. Economides and one of the surprises of the Greek independent cinema.

The actors performance is unmatched. The storyline emphasis is on inner family relationships. The priorities of the family members, the father figure that although means well, he is discredited due to his manners and short temper.

It has a lot to provide to the audience, and requires deep thought and understanding of the characters. The mother figure is shocking. The realism of the film is phenomenal and leaves with unanswered questions, it does not attempt give a clear solution nor an explanation, it just shows the conditions that sadly are more than common specially in west suburbs of Athens.

The verbal insults are emphasised and my personal opinion is that this is so because they shape the reality of the family life. Although in the family they show to be ignored, as in common language, they are copied by the children, and shape their characters.

The father figure focuses on his business and money, while gives a dictator attitude believing its the right way to raise the family as he feels everybody else is incompetent. This attitude is reflected by the indifference and hate of the family towards the father.

The directorhas managed to provide a modern time tragedy.

Features: The father with the archetypes of the 50's applied to modern society, monocrat, strong short-tempered. The role of the mother in shaping the character of the family.

The children who become identical to the parents they have rejected. Overall its a film that requires prior experience (I know I have) to understand the realism of the characters deeply and shows the interactions at multiple levels. Excellent work by Yiannis Economidis.

"Spirtokouto" -> Matchbox metafor of a "small house", if one match burns in the box, all of them are set on fire, burning the box too. (My personal metaphor translation)