Hukkle (2002)

3 1/2 Stars (out of 4)

Hic!

By Jeffrey M. Anderson

This amazing Hungarian film packs more bizarre ideas into its 75 minutes than most films do with two hours. Playing with very little dialogue, the film at first looks like a heartfelt look at a humble little village and its inhabitants. But as things unfold and certain images creep in -- a dead body at the bottom of a lake, a vial of poison -- we realize the true nature of this town. Director Gyorgy Palfi knows exactly where to put his camera and how long to sustain his shots in order to evoke his kooky mood. The title "Hukkle" means "hiccup." Palfi repeatedly returns to a poor little old man who sits in front of his house and hiccups throughout the entire film -- though he doesn't seem to mind. His face betrays the funniest little smile, as if he knows what kind of a ride we're in for. (Note: Hukkle opened in 2004 on a double bill with The Big Animal.)