Valerie and Her Week of Wonders
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders is a 1970 Czechoslovak Gothic coming-of-age surrealist fantasy horror film directed by Jaromil Jireš and based on the 1935 novel by Vítězslav Nezval.
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders is a 1970 Czechoslovak Gothic coming-of-age surrealist fantasy horror film directed by Jaromil Jireš, based on the 1935 novel by Vítězslav Nezval. The film follows a 13-year-old girl whose experiences blur reality and dream as she confronts sexuality, religion, and unsettling supernatural figures. It is widely associated with the Czechoslovak New Wave.
Plot
The film follows Valerie, a 13-year-old girl living with her grandmother, as strange events unfold after she begins puberty. The narrative is intentionally non-linear and dreamlike, making it difficult to separate reality from fantasy.
Production and release
Valerie and Her Week of Wonders was directed by Jaromil Jireš, who co-wrote the script with Ester Krumbachová. It is adapted from Vítězslav Nezval’s 1935 novel of the same name. The film was produced in Czechoslovakia and released in 1970.
Themes and style
The film is known for its surreal visual style and its use of Gothic and fairy-tale imagery. Reviews and descriptions emphasize themes of sexual awakening, religious symbolism, and ambiguous supernatural encounters. The imagery and plot combine fantasy, eroticism, religion, and horror.
Reception and legacy
The film has been frequently discussed as a distinctive and influential example of Czechoslovak cinema. It is often grouped with the late period of the Czechoslovak New Wave and is noted for its unusual blend of horror, fantasy, and adolescence. The film is commonly described as one of the last works of the Czechoslovak New Wave.
Key facts
- Released in 1970 as part of the Czechoslovak New Wave
- Directed by Jaromil Jireš and co-written by Ester Krumbachová
- Centers on a 13-year-old girl's surreal coming-of-age journey
- Blends fantasy, horror, eroticism, and religion
- Based on Vítězslav Nezval's 1935 novel
The film may be of interest to Canadian readers through repertory cinema, film studies, and coverage of international art-house and New Wave cinema, but it has no specific documented Canadian connection in the provided sources.
Frequently asked questions
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerie_and_Her_Week_of_Wonders_(film)Supports: Director, year, country, language, genre, source novel, and Czechoslovak New Wave context.
- IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066516/Supports: Director, writers, country of origin, release date, runtime, and plot synopsis.
- Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/valerie_and_her_week_of_wondersSupports: Basic plot description, director, genre, and release information.
- Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/valerie-and-her-week-of-wonders/umc.cmc.6bo3cpfsgrzl830rysb4645zySupports: Runtime, director, cast, and descriptive synopsis.
- Cineaste — https://www.cineaste.com/winter2015/valerie-and-her-week-of-wondersSupports: Production credits, plot interpretation, and commentary on the film's themes.