Drama,Comedy
Czechoslovakia
Black Peter (Černý Petr) is a 1964 Czech New Wave film directed by Miloš Forman. The film follows the life of Petr, a 17-year-old boy living in a small Czech town. Petr starts a job as a trainee in a supermarket, but his first day on the job doesn't go as planned. He accidentally causes a power outage, which leads to a night of misadventures as he and his coworkers try to fix the damage.
The film explores themes of youth, work, and social class. Petr is portrayed as a relatable, average teenager who is trying to find his place in the world. He struggles with the expectations of his parents and society, and the challenges of entering the workforce. The film also touches on the divide between the working and middle classes, as Petr feels out of place in the supermarket among the more affluent customers and employees.
Forman, who later went on to direct acclaimed films such as One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Amadeus, employs a documentary-style approach to the film, with a focus on naturalistic dialogue and a non-professional cast. The film was praised for its authenticity and for capturing the spirit of the Czech youth culture of the time.
Black Peter was a critical success in its native Czechoslovakia and abroad, winning the Grand Prix at the 1964 Locarno International Film Festival. It is considered a key work of the Czech New Wave movement and a milestone in Forman's early career.
