Crackpots - Eldar Shengelaia
"Crackpots" or "Screwballs" is a film that questions the intersections of fantasy and reality. It tells the story of a young man who sets off to town from his country home to make money to repay his father's debts. It results in a wild set of hi-jinks and scenarios that are beyond reality. This is a Georgian comedy full of Georgian humor, such as the differences between communities and regions. It seems innocent enough, commentary on love and what is capable in life, but also provides political satire. The law enforcement of the village is incompetent and repeatedly ridiculed. Also, the notion of individuality is important to the film and is portrayed as a positive attribute, contrary to Soviet ideology.
The film faced harsh Soviet criticism at it's release, but has since become a classic film of Georgian humor.
The film faced harsh Soviet criticism at it's release, but has since become a classic film of Georgian humor.