The brigade diary is a symptom of age. Today it is a forgotten word. Excellent material for someone to make a good movie. Under socialism, factory workers, factory workers and those working in similar positions were organized into brigades, and the brigade leader reported in this particular diary about the extra-work, mainly cultural, programs of the team under his authority.
Balázs András Szőke, Hungarian film director, actor, screenwriter and cinematographer, who won the Béla Award, shared his thoughts at the screening before the premiere Brigade diary regarding the actuality of his film.
Why is the period between 1970 and 1989 interesting in 2024? Because we are looking for a real community, there is a deficit economy, there is self-care, or at least there should be. Many questions arise in the film, which I think are also relevant for younger people
said the creator, who records films such as Cotton henthe Zsiguli and the Stomach passengers; and starred as an actor Paper dogsin, that is Indian winterin and a A wreck moviein too.
It’s peculiar, but it doesn’t add up
András Szőke is not exactly famous for easily digestible lemonade films, and Brigádnapló does not deny this either. In terms of actors, he cooks based on the well-proven recipe, József Szarvas and Tibor Gáspár, with whom he has worked together before, as well as his good friend Sándor Badár, who appears in almost all of his productions, also played a role here. We can see really great actors in life situations from seventy years ago. Gábor Reviczky plays Kóbi, the district party secretary, and although he does not appear much in the nearly two-hour film, every moment is enjoyable. The same is the case with the scenes of Armand Kautzky and Sándor Fábry. They are not among the main characters either, but when they appear, it is somehow good as it is.
And then the roles: József Szarva plays Bundás, the butcher, Anna Györgyi, Édest Györgyi, the charming confectioner’s workshop manager, Tibor Gáspár plays Deci, the bistro manager, who laughs in several languages; Péter Vida and Gábor Zelei Elvis and Cérna, the two entertaining waiters, Dzint Sándor Badár the cunning railwayman, Armand Burai Kautzky, the decorator, Pipi Sándor Fábry, the tour guide, Can Togay Tokaji, the receptionist, Bede Róbert Konyak, the brigade leader, Lajsz András brings Snapsz, the wine tasting leader, and Bebe brings himself to life. As usual, András Szőke also appears in his film, his name is Blöff, who is a cleaner, handyman, responsible for humor and extremely good at it. The producer of the film, Zoltán Mészáros, plays the two roles of Barkasz, the branch manager and his son, Little Skoda. The actors did a very good job, especially since the characters weren’t developed or interesting at all. The acting, on the other hand, made many of the strange scenes watchable.
The director’s previous works are not easy snacks either, they require careful attention. Brigádnapló is absolutely contemporary, atmospheric and honest, but perhaps the most characteristic word is that it is peculiar. It is certain that if we gave the subject to other directors, no one would get what Szőke made of it.
THE FILM HAS VERY GOOD SENTENCES, VALUABLE THOUGHTS, UNEXPECTED SOLUTIONS, BUT SOMEHOW THE WHOLE DOESN’T GET TOGETHER.
The plot is often impossible to follow, and the terrible sound quality plays a big role in this. At one moment you can hear even the smallest murmurs, at the next an entire dialogue is drowned out except for a word or two.
The story – briefly summarized – is about a team who work in the hospitality industry and act and think in the spirit of the times. These are reflected in different, often independent scenes until 1989, when everything changes, the foundations of the previous security and system are shaken.
Although the creators revealed that almost all the men are in love with the only female member of the brigade, very little is revealed from this, it is quite a negligible story line in terms of the development of events.
The sets and costumes reflect complete elegance and simplicity. Work clothes, suits and one or two extra shirts. We have roughly listed the clothing with this, but the view perfectly reproduces the Hungarian reality at that time.
At least the actors enjoyed it
The younger generations, who did not live under socialism, may not be able to reach this film, but those who have any connection to the era will find in it the point of connection that will make it enjoyable for them. Preference is also given to those from Szentes, as both the locations and most of the actors are connected to the town in Csongrád-Csanád county.
In terms of music, the work is also slightly cheesy, the melodies show moods rather than supporting the scenes. The composers are Gábor Mészáros “Murphy”, Eszter Váczi and the Justshowband. In addition to Be, György Ferenczi also appears in the film, his appearances are outstanding in terms of music.
The values are unquestionable, but we cannot be sure that everything will come across the screen.
We might have to watch it four more times to understand, but there’s no chance of that, we wouldn’t be able to stand it again.
A multitude of symbols and fictitious scenes characterize the nearly two hours, but somehow it doesn’t work as it should in a satirical comedy. It is more difficult to connect the possibly overflowing stream of frames than to collect ants in boxing gloves.
At the screening before the premiere, the actors present had a good laugh at several points in the film, but from an outsider’s perspective, it was a serious question as to what. Based on their statements, however, it was completely clear that they had a good time on the set.
Premier for a good cause
In terms of genre, Brigádnapló is a satirical comedy that also contains elements of burlesque. Archive recordings from the period 1970-1989 are played several times, which adds color to the production.
Although we were not enchanted by what we saw, if for no other reason, it is worth spending the price of the ticket for a good cause, as the Association of Hungarian Rotary Clubs supports children and young people with this. The premiere will be available in 10 cities simultaneously on May 13, 2024.
