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Audition
Considered the first of the Czech New Wave, launching the career of Miloš Forman and showcasing his trademark use of non-actors, focusing on ordinary people in everyday life.
Director: Milos Forman
Overview
Originally two short films testifying to Forman’s passion for music, Audition and If There were no Music, were released together under the title Audition. In If There Were No Music we follow two young men who skip brass band rehearsals for motorcycle races, much to their band leaders‘ dismay. This film shows a genuine appreciation for traditional Czech music while Audition features pop numbers performed to hilarious effect by hopeful applicants auditioning for Prague‘s Semafor Theatre.
Successfuly blending documentary-style coverage with fictional narratives, this an authentic portrayal of youthful rebellion against societal and generational restraint and conformity. Its bold new language and authenticity lie at the core of Forman’s interests and the entire Czechoslovak New Wave, making it a landmark in cinema history. Part of the Year of Czech Music celebrations.
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