Director: Theodora Remundová
There’s plenty to enjoy in this touching full-length documentary about a Czech national treasure, actor Iva Janžurová, directed by her daughter.
No prior knowledge of Iva is required; her magnetism, talent and soulful view of the world are in evidence throughout. Theodora Remundová’s relaxed style feeds through to the finished movie as she gently prompts her mum to reflect on episodes from her life and career. Appearing on camera, Theodora seems to revel in the caustic little jokes Iva makes, which are always laced with affection.
Iva’s story mirrors the post-second world war landscape. Czech and Slovak liberation from the Nazis is followed by initial enchantment with the new communist regime but eventually gives way to disillusionment. Well-chosen clips of Iva’s many screen and stage roles underscore the points she makes about her life. There’s even archive footage of Iva and a friend giving flowers to Alexander Dubček, the soon-to-be ousted leader of the ‘Prague Spring’ of 1968.
UK viewers will thrill to Iva’s theatre performances in The Audience by Peter Morgan, in which she plays Queen Elizabeth II, and in Happy Days by Samuel Beckett. While the movie clips may be less well-known here, they demonstrate Iva’s superb acting. Whether appearing in drama or comedy, she gives her lines a rare poignancy and displays impeccable timing. It’s notable that in the documentary she articulates a wariness of making pronouncements that sound like clichés.
In one moving sequence, Iva recalls a day when she learned of her mother’s death at 5pm and had to go on stage at 7pm, in a comedy. These kinds of insights into the actor’s lot are intensified by the necessity, through Iva’s early career, of keeping on the right side of the communist authorities. Unsurprisingly, when she handed in her party card, she faced restrictions in getting parts.
The film brings us up to date, with various gatherings of friends and family at which Iva shines like the star she is. This special screening, presented as part of the Czech Centre’s Made in Prague Festival, was followed by a Q&A with both Iva Janžurová and Theodora Remundová, chaired by Madeleine Mullett.
Actress is screening at the 29th Made in Prague Festival.
