Cinequest 19 Recap: Film Invasion led by Attila the Hun

Every year Cinequest receives fantastic films from that ethnically murky continent known as Europe. This year, of course, was no exception to the rule.

Foreign films like THE INVESTIGATOR, PHOTOGRAPH, AS SIMPLE AS THAT and THE FRIEND sold out screenings throughout the entire festival. It proves that San Jose audiences are willing to take the leap of faith with unfamiliar casts and subtitles.

Our favorite European movie of Cinequest 19 was the before mentioned INVESTIGATOR. Directed by Gigor Attila, this Hungarian film blends the intrigue of a noir detective story with the surrealism of a Dali painting.

The story focuses on Tibor, a dead-to-the-world mortician who's only connection to the world is caring for his sick mother. In order to pay for her operation he takes a job as an assassin for hire. Tibor is cold, calculating and methodical as a killer. He's perfect for the job. There's only one problem, though. The man he killed was connected to him, somehow. Now he must find out who hired him to do the deed and why it happened.

The Investigator's wonderful story and bizarre execution make it ripe for American adaptation. We're sure whatever Hollywood studio remakes it will screw it up. We're just jaded that way.

The continued efforts of Cinequest and film curator Charlie Cockey to bring fantastic films like the Investigator should be lauded at every opportunity. Our biggest thanks go out to them.




Official Trailer [youtube]