The Cremator

The first thing that stood out was the transitions between scenes. These transitions feel like all the scenes are shifting in and out of time and space. This aspect of the film is elevated by Rudolf Hrusínský's hypnotic performance. It was really interesting to see what happens when a man with detached morals and a quite senseless view of other living things, is given the freedom by the radical political environment to do as he pleases with the lives around him and even being encouraged by his peers in his actions. I think the opening scene is a brilliant depiction of this detachment with his children being locked in cages as he talks with his soon to be wife whose manifestation as Karel's little left humanity is appearing whenever he is in contradiction with his outward projection of himself and his actions.