Intimate Lighting, a gem of a Czech New Wave film, has once again graced the cinema screen. The digitally restored version of the 1965 film premiered in the Grand Hall this afternoon, accompanied by a large delegation that included the director, Ivan Passer. "Today, this film is like something from a different planet, with action wherein nothing seems to happen and actors of whom 90 % are amateur: and the end result is charming," moderator Marek Eben said of the film.
"The screenplay was unorthodox. I was criticised for that. Then I formulated a response: I haven't been to FAMU, so I don't know," reminisced screenwriter Václav Šašek. Actress Věra Křesadlová remembered how lovely and friendly the filming was, and Ivan Passer recalled how he nearly didn't cast Věra. "At the time, she was married to Miloš Forman and he wanted me to give her a part. But I was afraid she knew me so well that she wouldn't respect me. Forman riposted with 'Well, are you a friend or aren't you?' In the end I couldn't find anyone better, so I gave Věra the part," the director expounded.
Ivan Passer also revealed how he selected non-actors for Intimate Lighting and how the then director of Barrandov Studios declared that he had never seen anything quite so boring. "I hope your opinion will be different," said Passer in parting with the audience, which responded to the comedy about a day in the countryside with ardent applause.
