The Idlers of the Fertile Vallye

Director:  Nikos Panayotopoulos
Cast: Olga Karlatou, Yorgos Dialegmenos, Nikitas Tsakiroglou, Dimitris Poulikakos, Vasilis Diamantopoulos, Kostas Sfikas
Greece, 1978, DCP, 119’, renkli / dolor
Greek with Turkish and English subtitles   

A wealthy member of the upper class and his three sons withdraw to a country villa where they spend their days in complete idleness, having everything done for them by their young and beautiful maid. They give themselves over to the macabre pleasure of sleep, while idleness permeates the tiny world of these living dead, with the exception of the woman, who is the sole representative of positive values, will-power and action. The gradual yet steady decay borders on decomposition and total destruction, as even fundamental biological needs decline. Finally, the youngest son tries to break free, his temporary awakening ending in the arms of the maid, yet the possibility of some further attempt survives. In this allegorical satire the monumental immobility leads to corresponding formalistic choices. Distant echoes of Bunuel (The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie) and of Ferreri (La Grande Boutte) meet surrealistic disposition and social symbolism.