THE IDLERS OF THE FERTILE VALLEY

SYNOPSIS

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.

The film is in French and will be screened in a restored digital copy (DCP), created in 2014 by KG Productions with the support of CNC, with English and Greek subtitles.