Hull Independent Cinema and Kinoteka present…
THE SARAGOSSA MANUSCRIPT
Dir Wojciech Has | Poland | 1965 | 182 mins | Rated 15 | Polish
During Napoleon’s invasion of Spain, two soldiers discover a strange manuscript at an inn. The book chronicles the adventures of Alfonso van Worden. Alfonso’s passage through the dangerous Sierra Morena mountains is repeatedly interrupted by seemingly random encounters with an assortment of larger than life figures. As the soldiers immerse themselves in the script they become immersed in its endlessly interconnected narrative.
Wojciech Has’ adaptation of Polish novelist Jan Potocki’s magnum opus became a major countercultural favourite during the 1960s, largely due to the patronage of the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia, who regarded the film’s narrative waywardness as a kind of cinematic trip. Luis Buñuel, Neil Gaiman and David Lynch were also admirers, while Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppolla assisted in the film’s restoration and re-release.
Despite its length and the slippery challenge of its storytelling, The Saragossa Manuscript is largely a lighthearted work, laden with warm comedy, ribald drama, Gothic atmospherics and unforgettable imagery.
KINOTEKA on TOUR is Part of the UK – Poland Season of Cultural Exchange organized by the British Council, Polish Cultural Institute and Adam Mickiewicz Institute in partnership with Klassiki.
Starring Zbigniew Cybulsk, Iga Cembrzynska, Elzbieta Czyzewska
AWARDS AND FESTIVALS
Cinema Writers Circle Awards: Winner, Special Award
REVIEWS
“…an epic piece of japery; it celebrates visions and magic by means of labyrinthine storytelling.” Michael Sragow, The New Yorker
“The director’s eye for baroque black-and-white imagery puts him behind only Bava and Welles, while the film’s sharp social satire gives heft to its ambition.” David Fear, Time Out
“A master of digressive technique, Has is never afraid of losing himself or the audience in his mould-breaking visual poems.” Giuseppe Sedia, Kino Mania
“A wonderful, surreal assault on narrative; it’s funny, intelligent, and a ridiculously sly good time.” Jake Euker, F5
Venue Details
All the latest mainstream movies are shown at this state-of-the-art chain cinema with family deals.
Facilities
Accessible Toilets
Baby Changing
Blue-Badge Parking
Hearing Loop
Level Access
Wheelchair Access
