Cvetat na hameleona

I cannot understand for the life of me the positive reviews this stinker is having. As many (i.e. almost every single one) of the modern attempts of the so called "Bulgarian contemporary cinema", this is one of the most standing examples of putrid pretentiousness to the extreme. Whatever a stinker has you can name it: borrowing so many times from known movies; needless and utterly helpless "philosophy" conversations, completely pointless to the times described and even to the script (it needs to show us how smart the screenwriter really is) - in other words, no one except the sick mind of the screenwriter can and will speak like that; also completely unusual stultification of the communist times - giving in mind the screenwriter has lived in that times and apparently was able to benefit from all goods the "elite" then was able to - which ordinary people still call "hypocrisy". Moreover, the movie is a total mess - no composite ideas, just void mockery and parody for the sake of it. Useful for the brainless American audience who has never heard of the Communism apart from the Iron Curtain clichés, which is as good as the Soviet propaganda while ago.

Totally pointless and gruesome effort, avoid at all costs. The book also sucks big time.

It's total waste of time, watching this film. Wonder who wasted his money to produce this film? I couldn't god bored of the film after the 10th minute.

It's not the problem only the script, but the man who tried to direct, doesn't have a clue what is to be a director.

Waste of time, watching this film.

Everyone who has camera now call himself a director.

But this film looks like is shot by a teenager.

This man has to learn who to direct, then try to make film. Going to a film school or reading some specialized books is a good start.

For English speaking viewers, I suggest you first do yourself a favor and watch Zift (by the same writer) which has English subtitles. Then if you find it cool, different, and compelling, you will also love this film. Shot beautifully in scope on color stock with some very original framing (pay close attention to the rooftop scene) and somehow processed to look like 80's color tones and grain.

Great care seems to have been taken in crafting every little aspect of this film, from the reel to reel tape recorders to the main character staring mesmerized into the open gate of his 16mm Bolex camera, you get drawn into a world that is halfway between a Graham Green novel and the inside of the main character's head which appears to have an almost Terry Gilliam quality. If you are a film lover you will definitely appreciate the references that other people will miss, but even if you are not the story will drag you in.

The main actor seems to be somewhat unknown but keep a lookout for him because after this I can predict he gets a lot more work.