A COMMONPLACE STORY Egyszerű

történet (1975)

Directed by Judit Elek

Screenplay by Judit Elek

Director of photography: Elemér Ragályi

Genre: documentary

Production: Budapest Studio

Technical specs: black and white, 100 min

Format: 1.37:1, 4K restored, grading supervised by Elemér Ragályi, DP

AWARDS AND SELECTIONS:

1975 – Mannheim – Special Award

Rotterdam International Film Festival 1975

István (Andor Lukáts) and Eszter (Judit Meszléry) exist in separate marriages until they meet and fall in love with each other. Notwithstanding this, neither wants to lose their spouse and children. Their relationship is an open secret in both families, they don’t have to hide anything but they both know that sooner or later they must find a solution to this situation that is wearing everyone down. Judit Elek’s film is an insight into the messy private relationships of the late Kádár era. Acrimonious scenes involving the two lovers shot in cramped apartments, amidst crumbling plaster and tired furniture, depict with cruel accuracy not only the distortions of personal relationships but also the desperation of an era.