Cinequest: ‘Beresina or The Last Days of Switzerland’
Directed by Daniel Schmid
Starring Elena Panova, Geranldine Chaplin, Mrting Benrath, Ulrich Noethen, Ivan Darvas, Marina Confalone, Stefan Kurt
A Cinequest Release
On the Web: www.cinequest.org
In the mood for something different? How about an eccentric Swiss black comedy? Yes. I know what you’re thinking. Not another eccentric Swiss black comedy.
Beresina is an intriguing, quirky musical that played at Cannes and Cinequest, and is now available as a Cinequest release. It is regarded as one of Switzerland’s most famous movies. And no wonder. It simultaneously entertains and confounds with its intricate plot involving greed, the government, and the fate of the nation.
Daniel Schmid’s direction establishes a nice rhythm as he cuts from multiple story lines that eventually collide.
Elena Panova plays a Russian call girl who desperately wants Swiss citizenship. As everyone around her makes promises, she channels Inspector Clouseau and Agent 99. Later, she fumbles and flirts her way to an accidental coupe d’etat.
If you’re looking for a Foreign film with flare that doesn’t take itself too seriously, give Beresina a shot. It’ll tickle your funny bone and make you smile at all things eccentric Swiss.
Beresina or The Last Days of Switzerland
4 out of 5 stars
A Cinequest Release
Directed by Daniel Schmid
Starring Elena Panova, Geranldine Chaplin, Mrting Benrath, Ulrich Noethen, Ivan Darvas, Marina Confalone, Stefan Kurt
DVD $22.49
Trailer
Clinton StarkCo-Founder, Editor-in-Chief, Fan of Napa (and Diet Coke)
Clint co-founded StarkSilverCreek and writes about social media, arts, wine, indie film, and his trusty Droid. An aging ice hockey player, he tries in vain to direct Loni in SSC videos. Originally from Ottawa, Canada, Clint is a Silicon Valley and new media entrepreneur. From the early PC clone days in the 80’s, to the explosion of telecom and networking in the 90’s, and now to social networking, Web 2.0 and software-as-a-service, Clint has successfully built businesses and start-ups into multi-million dollar operations. Recently as VP marketing he spearheaded the launch of a $110M company. But that was then.
Twitter: @clintonstark More: articles bio
Stay up-to-date on All Things West CoastJoin: StarkSilverCreek Facebook Fan page
Follow: twitter.com/SSCWestCoast
Go mobile: SSC iPhone app
Send press/requests/events to: press@starksilvercreek.com
Loved this movie. It was a cross between ‘The Sound of Music’ and ‘Get Smart’ with a little dash of naughtiness. Delightfully strange and cheeky.