Veiko Öunpuu's second feature film made the top ten of Estonia's film critics film of the year. It has been much acclaimed for its strange form and recognisable allegory of the economic change in the former Soviet state. For most audiences however, as Öunpuu says himself, 'too strange'.
Elevator Pitch
'A surprising tragedy that shakes you to the core, where the tale is told of the unbearable torment and eventual ruin of a middle manager.'
Casting
'I often work with Taavi Eelmaa and Rain Tolk as they're my best friends. There's an enormous trust between us; even if I wanted to drag them naked through the snow with a dead dog, they would do it, ha ha! In this film Denis Lavant (Les amants du pont neuf, ed) plays a role and I hope to work with him more often. Despite the fact that we couldn't understand each other, he knew immediately what I wanted.'
Estonia
'There are only about five films a year made in Estonia, and not many people go to see them. Audiences would rather go to big mainstream productions with simple stories and big stars. I hope that Saint Tony helps other directors to make less predictable things.'
The First Time
'I found this film more of a problem to make than my last feature Autumn Ball, which also played at the IFFR. It was probably because it was received so well, both by press and public, that I was afraid that I was becoming a bit arrogant. Now the film is finished, though, I'm really satisfied with it.'
Bright Future
'My next film Free Range Fred is still in the early stages. It's about a man that examines the boundaries of what freedom means, but I haven't even started to write the script yet, so I can't tell you anything else.'(EJ)
The Temptation of Saint Tony (TG) – Veiko Öunpuu
Fri 5th 13.13 PA3, Sat 6th 10.45 PA3