Charlatan
Year: 2020
Country:
CZECHIA
Run Time:
118 minutes
“The Oracle of Urine.” That’s what they call the subject of Polish auteur Agnieszka Holland’s latest skillfully crafted biopic. CHARLATAN portrays the fascinating life of successful Czech healer and accused conman Jan Mikolášek. A certified herbalist with the uncanny ability to diagnose ailments on sight, all Jan needs is a vial of a patient’s urine to prescribe—or rather, sell—his plant-based solutions. Over decades, millions of everyday people make their way through Jan’s doors to have their fluids examined, many singing his praises. But unlike the masses, those in power challenge the herbalist’s drive and ability to heal, especially after the death of his most high-profile patient, Communist president Antonín Zápotocký. Spanning two World Wars and three regime changes, the film jumps between Jan’s highs and lows—including a tender but sometimes manipulative romance with his assistant Frantisek, as well as his collaboration with the Nazis. At once cold and passionate, caretaker and killer, philanthropist and crook, Holland crafts a layered portrait of an imperfect figure who will go to great lengths to help others—himself included. (In Czech and German with subtitles) — D.O.
Content Warning: This film contains material that may be difficult for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised.
CIFF45 Screenings
On Demand
Thursday, April 08, 2021 at 11:00 AM -
Tuesday, April 20, 2021 at 11:59 PM
Access: United States and US Territories
Accessibility (?)
Closed Captions: No
Audio Description: No
English Subtitles: Yes
Sidebar
Outlook
Competitions
George Gund III Memorial Central and Eastern European Competition
ReelWomenDirect Award for Excellence in Directing by a Woman
Director
Agnieszka Holland
Producers
Šárka Cimbalová, Kevan Van Thompson
Screenwriting
Marek Epstein
Cinematography
Martin Strba
Editing
Pavel Hrdlicka
Principal Cast
Ivan Trojan, Josef Trojan, Jaroslava Pokorná, Jiří Černý, Miroslav Hanuš
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