In the world of cinema, where stories often reflect the societal and political landscapes they emerge from, the film 'Hen' stands as a unique and powerful testament to artistic resistance. This movie, with its unconventional narrative choice of a hen as the protagonist, is a fascinating commentary on the creative spirit's ability to thrive even in the face of oppressive regimes.
The Birth of an Idea
'Hen' is the brainchild of Hungarian filmmaker György Pálfi, who, after 16 years of navigating the cronyism-ridden film industry under Viktor Orbán's far-right regime, found himself in exile. Pálfi's creative vision, known for its wild originality, was stifled in his homeland, leading him to seek inspiration from a universal story that could transcend cultural boundaries.
What emerged was a biopic of a factory-farmed chicken, a story that, in Pálfi's words, "can be a good movie" when a small chicken encounters a massive social problem. This choice of narrative perspective is intriguing; it's a bold move to tell a human story through the eyes of an animal, especially one as seemingly powerless as a chicken.
A Tale of Two Worlds
The film begins with our heroine's birth and escape from the grim reality of factory farming in Greece. As the story unfolds, we witness a modern-day Greek tragedy through the hen's naturally comic and beady eyes. An aging restaurateur, Giorgos, finds himself entangled in the brutal world of people-smuggling, a stark contrast to the hen's journey towards freedom.
Pálfi's decision to shoot the film at a chicken's eye level adds a unique perspective, almost as if the audience is seeing the world through the hen's eyes. This technique, coupled with the absence of CGI for the chickens, makes the audience feel a deeper connection with the hen's experience.
The Challenge of Shooting with Hens
Working with eight identical leading ladies (Eszti, Szandi, Feri, Enci, Eti, Enikő, Nóra, and Anett) presented its own set of challenges. Each chicken had to be trained for two months to become "human-friendly," and an animal trainer was on hand during filming. Pálfi discovered that each chicken had its own unique abilities and personalities, which they utilized during filming.
The tight shooting schedule meant that the Greek cast had to adapt to a novel hierarchy, with the chickens taking priority. Pálfi's favorite leading lady, Feri, often stepped in when other hens were tired or unable to perform a scene.
A Conventional Approach for Unconventional Stars
Pálfi, known for his experimental and inventive films, had to adopt a more orthodox approach due to the challenges of working with hens. He couldn't indulge in his usual eight-minute-long shots or other arthouse techniques, so he opted for classical Hollywood storytelling. "The chicken could do it," he says, almost in awe of his feathered stars.
Moral Judgment and the Human Condition
'Hen' serves as an innocent eyewitness, offering a fresh perspective on human behavior. At times, the hen's beady gaze almost seems to pass moral judgment, but Pálfi is quick to point out that this is a perception in the audience's mind. The chicken remains a chicken, and Pálfi strives to maintain that authenticity.
The film lays bare the brutal realities of life for both powerless chickens and powerless humans. The scenes of factory farming and the imagined desperation of the hen as her eggs are taken are powerful reminders of the impact of our choices on the lives of others.
A Hopeful Outlook
With the recent change in government in Hungary, Pálfi and his family have returned to Budapest, hopeful that life will improve under the new administration. Pálfi plans to write a trilogy of animal films, with the next one featuring a monkey living in an Indian city. He also has a Hungarian outlaw story in the works, an "eastern" rather than a western.
Pálfi's desire to make a mainstream film is intriguing, especially coming from a filmmaker known for his maverick style. He seeks that elusive balance between the mainstream and the artistic, citing Kubrick and Ridley Scott's 'Blade Runner' as examples of this perfect blend.
A Powerful Commentary
'Hen' stands as a powerful commentary on our times. As Pálfi puts it, when humans make moral decisions, it's often too late, as seen in the story of Giorgos, who, despite his actions, faces punishment. This fictional Greek restaurateur represents all those who embrace brutal populist regimes, a stark reminder of the consequences of our choices.
The film asks a profound question: Can we reclaim the rights we've given away to oppressive regimes? 'Hen' is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of creativity to overcome oppression. It's a must-watch for anyone seeking a unique and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
