Czech novelist Milan Kundera once said in an interview that Prague "is full of quirks and poetry, unlike any other city in the world." If that's true, then Czech filmmaker Jan Svankmajer has molded himself into Prague incarnate, embodying the essence of the city through himself and his work.
At 77 years of age, Svankmajer continues to crank out his own particular brand of poetry using unique filming techniques, and remains one of the few auteurs to have remained firmly and stubbornly loyal to the old way of doing things. In total disregard to the winds of change that howl and rage right at his doorstep, and staunchly devoted to his city, country and language, Svankmajer rises above the trappings of commercial success, the elusive edicts of the film industry and the demands of globalization. He's probably a relic, but a beautiful and functioning one.
Svankmajer's latest is "Surviving Life," and to this the Czech master of bizarre horror brings all his trademark wit and insolence and a rich, creamy darkness mindful of the bitterest of bitter chocolate.