Feature film
Idealist
Igor Pretnar · 1976
Synopsis
At the turn of the century, the schoolteacher Martin Kačur, a man of advanced ideas, is sent from the town to a country school because of his opinions and his support for the workers' protests. The priest and the local notables warn him; an unhappy love for Minka does not turn him from his convictions. After a meeting that ends in a brawl, he is transferred again, to Blatni Dol, a remote village, where he marries Tončka and where bitterness gradually overtakes him.
Context
Pretnar wrote the screenplay with Vitomil Zupan, based on the novel that Ivan Cankar devoted to the schoolteacher. The colour cinematography is by Mile de Gleria, the music by Bojan Adamič, the editing by Dušan Povh; Radko Polič plays the lead, Milena Zupančič the role of Tončka, with Dare Ulaga, Stevo Žigon, Arnold Tovornik and Bert Sotlar. Released on 15 April 1976 and shown at the Moscow festival, the film came eleven years after its director's previous feature and was his greatest popular success. In 2007, the Slovenian Cinematheque screened it in tribute to the make-up artist Berta Meglič.
Who it is for
Two hours of a colour drama about a man of conviction at odds with the provinces, which can be followed without knowing the book.
Prizes and reception
At Pula in 1976, Golden Arena for best film and for both leading roles; acting prize in Moscow for Radko Polič; Prešeren Prize 1977 for the director.