The good soldier Svejk argued that there must necessarily be thieves.Moreover, the wisest of idiots (or the most idiotic of wise men, as you prefer) was clear that the types we usually label as doubters are necesary. “If everyone had good intentions, men would soon kill each other” he added so there would be no doubt. As if it were the replica of one of the indisputable reflections of the character created by Jaroslav Hasek, in a moment of “Is it the enemy?” The lieutenant confesses to Gila that this world could use more idiots like Gila himself and fewer seemingly honest guys like the lieutenant himself. Let’s say that this is the temperature of Alexis Morante’s proposal. In certain circumstances, and war is the most extreme of these, it is very tough to distinguish stupidity from wisdom.
“Is it the enemy?” The gila Movie It’s a friendly film, but without lacking in good taste (not poor at all); sad, but without falling into worn-out melancholy; obviously if you want, but in a very conscious way. Based on his biography, the story recounts the Civil War of the character who in his own way is already a myth.You know, they shot Gila, but they shot him badly. The director plays to bring back to the viewer’s memory what the viewer already knows. The monologues and some of his best-known vignettes are balanced on the screen, not so much to overwhelm as to move the memory. And it is there, in the rediscovered memory which is also everyone’s memory, that Morante’s offer becomes strong. And it shines. If we add to this slight quotations of fragments of life lived at the cinema like the scene that brings us “the Heifer” of Berlanga or the aroma of «Bicycles are for the summer‘, by Fernando Fernán Gómez, which describes tormented Madrid, it is clear that “Is it the enemy?”«It is above all liturgy, ceremony, shared rite.
The proposal, in its simplicity, is risky. The idea is always to stand next to the character and, from there, build a feeling or a way of seeing the world rather than simply telling a story. After all, that is the grace and virtue of Gila’s sad, almost existential humor. Gila made people laugh, but always from the awareness of a deep pain, from the certainty of a wound impossible to heal. “My father taught me to laugh at everything”, the protagonist says several times, but he says it not as one of those very modern challenges to political correctness, but as the modeled acceptance that everything, even the most serious, is too absurd. And Svejk couldn’t agree more. You could hear gila always telling the same thing, as in truth what mattered was something else, it was seeing him tell us what we are saying in the very act of telling it to himself when he picked up the phone.
Oscar lasarte’s remarkable performance makes us stay there, waiting for them to tell us more about the birth when the mother wasn’t at home, about “You must have killed my son, but we laughed”, about the bullets insufficient for so many enemies… But it is indeed also true that in his moderation, in his attention not to disturb anyone, in its calculated equidistance, ‘Is he the enemy?’ He resorts to too many clichés, too many perhaps needlessly melodramatic gestures. We won’t say he lacks ambition, but that’s already been said.Regardless, people like Gila and Svejk are there to remind us that we need more idiots and fewer, but much fewer, assholes.
Director: Alessio Morante. Interpreters: Oscar Lasarte, Carlos Cuevas, Natalia de Molina, Salva Reina, Ivan Villanueva. Duration: 100 minutes. Nationality: Spain.
What are the key themes explored in jaroslav Hašek’s “The Good Soldier Švejk”?
Time.news editor: Welcome, everyone, to another episode of time.news Insights. Today, we’re diving into some thought-provoking ideas on human nature adn society drawn from the witty and satirical world of Jaroslav Hašek’s character, the good soldier Švejk. Joining us is Dr. Emilia Novak, a cultural historian specializing in Eastern European literature and societal critique.Thank you for being here, Dr. Novak!
Dr. Emilia Novak: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to explore these themes with you.
Time.news Editor: Let’s jump right in. The character Švejk makes a compelling argument that “there must necessarily be thieves,” suggesting a sort of unavoidable human flaws. How do you interpret this in the context of present-day society?
Dr. Emilia Novak: Švejk’s assertion reflects a deep understanding of human nature. His notion can be seen as a social commentary on the paradoxes of morality; where good intentions alone aren’t sufficient to sustain a peaceful society. In today’s world, I think we can draw parallels with the complexities of ethical behavior in various spheres, from politics to everyday interactions. There’s always a tension between idealism and realism.
time.news Editor: Absolutely! His remark about the necessity of “doubters” is equally interesting.Why do you think those who question or doubt societal norms are crucial?
Dr.Emilia Novak: Doubters play a vital role in any society—they challenge the status quo and instigate change. When everyone accepts things at face value, stagnation follows, and that can lead to destructive consequences.The wisdom in Švejk’s statement lies in recognizing that healthy skepticism can prevent blind conformity, fostering a more nuanced understanding of what is right or wrong.
time.news Editor: It’s engaging how this connects with the concept of “good intentions.” Švejk posits that if everyone had good intentions, “men would soon kill each other.” This paints a rather bleak picture of human interaction—do you think it’s too pessimistic?
Dr. Emilia Novak: It may seem bleak, but I see it as a realistic acknowledgment of the human condition. Good intentions can often be misguided. History is rife with examples where benevolent motives led to unintended consequences. Švejk’s perspective reminds us that intention and impact are often misaligned, and a more critical examination of our motivations is essential for true progress.
Time.news editor: That’s a powerful reminder. Švejk is known for his sardonic humor and irony,which makes his insights all the more impactful. How do you think humor plays a role in discussing serious societal issues like these?
Dr. Emilia Novak: Humor is a transformative tool. it allows us to confront uncomfortable truths in a way that is more palatable. Through satire,Švejk brings to light the absurdities of war and society without losing the audience’s engagement. This approach encourages reflection; it softens the blow of hard truths and invites critical thinking without the heaviness of direct confrontation.
Time.news Editor: So, you’re saying that humor can act as both a lens and a shield for deeper societal critique?
Dr. Emilia Novak: Exactly! It opens up space for discussion and can disarm defensiveness, leading to more constructive conversations about our flaws and challenges. Švejk, as a character, embodies that—he navigates his world with a mix of absurdity and wisdom, reminding us that questioning and humor are essential to understanding the human experience.
Time.news Editor: This has been an enlightening discussion, Dr. Novak. Thank you for your insights into Švejk’s world and the broader implications for how we view human nature today.
dr. Emilia Novak: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure to delve into these themes and I hope it encourages everyone to reflect on the complexities of human intentions and the importance of skepticism.
Time.news Editor: To our listeners, we hope this conversation inspires you to examine the dynamics of doubt and intention in your own lives. Until next time, keep questioning and laughing!
