Well, CineFest happened… and amidst all that partying (we’re sorry, Miskolc) some of us managed to catch some films. Our intrepid film-buff, Matthew Zomick, explored the screens…
Hooked is the first film from Romanian director Adrian Sitaru. A low-budget production, it was shot in ten days, predominantly using hand-held cameras – with the aim of intensifying the relationships on screen. It’s competed in numerous film festivals and won several awards, including Best Actress at the Thessaloniki Film Festival, Best Screenplay at the Mons International Festival of Love Films, and the New Visions/New Voices award at Palm Springs Film Festival. Set in Bucharest, Hooked is the story of Mihai (unhappy at work and frustrated in love) and his married lover. Aiming to leave the stress and bustle of Bucharest behind, they head to the country for a picnic. Along the way, though, fuelled by an argument, they hit a prostitute. Believing her to be dead, they take her with them, unsure of what to do with the body. The lady of the night comes to, though, turns out to be a little loopy and invasive and proceeds to stick her nose into the couples’ affairs, while flirting with them both. Despite driving the already tense pair crazy, she has a lasting effect upon them.
Maria Dinulesco was here in Miskolc to answer some questions. She insisted that the movie has no moral and that it’s up to the viewer to find meaning in the message of the story. Despite its extremely low budget and rushed production schedule, Hooked delivered.