Love Αffair, or the Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator

Ljubavni slučaj ili tragedija službenice P.T.T.

A rigid indictment on a totalitarian system that suppresses desires and the thirst for life, as well as a feminist call to arms against longstanding oppression, Makavejev’s second feature film stirred a scandal on account of its raw portrayal of female sexuality. Exploring the borderline between fiction and (pseudo)documentary, Makavejev crafts a set of conflicting poles: love scenes are juxtaposed against an autopsy, a playful serving of pastry is followed by rat-catchers while on duty. The overall effect is grotesque yet tender, culminating in a brave cry for freedom.

Screening Schedule

No physical screenings scheduled.

Direction: Dušan Makavejev

Script: Dušan Makavejev

Cinematography: Aleksandar Petković

Editing: Katarina Stojanović

Music: Dušan Aleksić

Actors: Eva Ras, Slobodan Aligrudić, Ružica Sokić, Miodrag Andrić, Dr. Živojin Aleksić, Dr. Alexsandar Kostic

Production: Avala Film

Producers: Aleksander Krstić

Art Direction: Vladislav Lasić

Format: 35mm

Color: B&W

Production Country: Yugoslavia

Production Year: 1967

Duration: 68΄

Contact: British Film Institute, bookings.films@bfi.org.uk

Dušan Makavejev

Dušan Makavejev (1932–2019) is by far the premier figure in Yugoslavian film history. His work, deeply rooted in his native land’s experience, persistently defied the political and sexual taboos of his time and invited censorship in dozens of countries. Highly allegorical and of dreamlike texture, his films represent a sardonic and anarchist view on all kinds of oppressive regimes, sending out a universal message of liberation.

Filmography

1965 Man is Not a Bird
1967 Love Affair, or the Case of the Missing Switchboard Operator
1968 Innocence Unprotected (doc)
1971 W.R.: Mysteries of the Organism
1974 Sweet Movie
1981 Montenegro
1985 The Coca-Cola Kid
1988 Manifesto
1993 Gorilla Bathes at Noon