A Portrait of Resilience: Exploring Isolation and Connection in “better Go Mad in the Wild”
The documentary “Better Go Mad in the Wild,” a standout winner at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, presents a compelling, and often unsettling, portrait of life on the fringes.While comparisons to the iconic 1975 documentary Gray Gardens are unavoidable – both films delve into unconventional living situations and challenge societal norms – Miro Remo’s work carves its own distinct path, offering a nuanced exploration of resilience and the enduring power of familial bonds.
The film centers on František and Ondřej klišík, twin brothers living a remarkably self-sufficient, and isolated, existence in the Slovak countryside. Their lifestyle, far removed from modern conveniences, immediately evokes a sense of curiosity and, perhaps, judgment. However,Remo skillfully avoids sensationalism,instead presenting their world wiht a respectful and observational eye. This approach is reminiscent of earlier Eastern European documentary filmmaking, especially Dušan hanák’s groundbreaking 1972 film, Pictures of the old World. Like Hanák’s work, initially suppressed for its perceived critique of Communist life, “Better Go Mad in the Wild” offers a poignant glimpse into a generation left behind by rapid societal changes.
Today, rural populations across Europe are facing similar challenges. According to Eurostat, over 20% of the EU population resides in rural areas, and these communities often experience limited access to essential services like healthcare and education, contributing to economic disparities and social isolation.The Klišíks’ story, thus, resonates beyond their individual circumstances, reflecting a broader trend of marginalization and the struggle to maintain customary ways of life in a rapidly modernizing world.
The film doesn’t shy away from the peculiarities of the brothers’ existence. The narrative details their unconventional routines – a life intertwined with nature,involving tasks like tending to livestock and foraging for sustenance. The imagery is striking, featuring scenes of men adorned with cabbage and a memorable interaction with a cow, highlighting the unique connection between the brothers and their habitat. However, the documentary’s strength lies not in these eccentricities, but in its subtle exploration of the complex relationship between František and Ondřej.
Remo allows the audience to observe the brothers’ dynamic, a claustrophobic closeness born of years spent in near-total isolation. The film hints at a deeper emotional landscape, touching upon the profound impact of their shared existence. A fleeting observation – “Separating twins is like breaking a mirror” – suggests the fragility of their bond and the potential for irreparable damage. While the film effectively establishes this intriguing premise, it could benefit from a more thorough investigation of this central metaphor and the psychological implications of their unique connection. Ultimately, “Better Go Mad in the Wild” is a thought-provoking and visually arresting documentary that invites viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about lifestyle, community, and the enduring human need for connection.
Title: Better Go Mad in the Wild
Festival: Karlovy Vary (Crystal Globe Competition)
Director: Miro remo
Screenwriters: Miro Remo, Aleš Palan, Based on the Book of the Same Name by Aleš Pán
Cast: František Klišík, Ondřej Klišík
Sales: Filmotor
Running time: 1 hr 24 mins