Montenegro

Montenegro is a 1981 drama movie, directed by Dusan Makavejev, presenting an intriguing blend of comedy, drama, fantasy and mystery. The film stars Susan Anspach, Erland Josephson and Per Oscarsson, each adding their own unique flavor to the tangled narrative. Montenegro is a complex amalgamation of different experiences, exploring the themes of culture clash, acceptance, love and the search for personal freedom.

Susan Anspach plays Marilyn Jordan, an affluent American housewife living in England with her wealthy husband Alex, portrayed by Erland Josephson, and their two children. Erland Josephson successfully captures the essence of his character—a businessman so absorbed in his work that he becomes oblivious to his wife's loneliness. The spotlight, however, centers on Anspach's performance as Marilyn supplies the crux of the narrative. Her acting prowess is on full display as she portrays the transformation of Marilyn, the bored housewife, into a woman rediscovering herself, her sexuality, and the thrill of life, all while battling the confines of her monotonous, upper-middle-class existence.

The narrative embarks with the Jordans throwing a party for wealthy English couple Martin and Bea, along with other guests. The party is a direct manifestation of the aristocrat lifestyle, steeped in all its decadence and monotony, leaving Marilyn feeling empty and discontent. This dissatisfaction prompts Marilyn into making a phone call that allows her chaotic yet exciting journey to commence.

As she becomes acquainted with a group of Yugoslavian immigrants, we witness her unexpected descent into a raw, colorful, and unpredictable world that doesn't conform to her familiar, sanitized existence. The immigrants' behavior—brusque, irreverent, boisterous—is a stark contrast to the restrained and regimented behavior of Marilyn's opulent social circle.

The movie is punctuated with a series of unusual, surreal, and sexually explicit sequences portraying Marilyn's adventure in this foreign land, a nightclub named "The Zanzi bar." The bar is a metaphorical vortex, pulling Marilyn into its whirlwind of abandonment, liberation, and cultural dissonance. Throughout her time there, she engages in a series of unconventional activities, ones that would normally scandalize her privileged circles. This exposure brings her face-to-face with a refreshing sense of freedom and self-exploration.

Montenegro is often compared to a frenetic, reckless, uncontrollable ride, one fueled by its unhinged narrative. It explores the dichotomy between the conservative, structured world Marilyn originates from and the wildly uncontrolled universe she steps into. The film delivers a political undertone, hinting at the class struggle and the cultural gap between the working class Yugoslavian immigrants and the privileged, upper-middle-class English natives.

The film's cinematography plays a critical role in articulating the contrasting worlds, shifting between the orderly elegance of Marilyn's mansion to the haphazard messiness of Zanzi bar with both precision and nuance. The sound design, unconventional narrative structure, and disparate set designs contribute to an eerie atmosphere that sets the tone for an unconventional viewing experience.

Despite its risqué content and surrealist elements, Montenegro possesses a wild charm that captivates the audience. It plays with the audience's expectations, turning them on their heads at every possible opportunity. One of the key elements of the film is its daring, unapologetic depiction of female sexuality—an aspect usually sidelined in the cinema of the time.

Dusan Makavejev, the director and co-writer, uses his unique storytelling prowess to create a genre-bending, barrier-breaking film that pushes borders, both in its form and content. Montenegro might not appeal to everyone—it requires the spectators to abandon their usual expectations and embrace the unexpected. But for those willing to do so, the result is a bizarrely captivating cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, Montenegro is a provocative, audacious exploration into the depths of human nature and the societal constructs that bound it. It is sure to provide a cinematic adventure for those willing to venture beyond their comfort zone. Above all, it is a poignant portrayal of a woman's journey of self-rediscovery, liberation and acceptance in a world that often falls short in understanding her needs and desires.