In the realm of cinema, where creativity often thrives in the face of adversity, the story of 'Hen' is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the power of artistic expression. This film, born from the oppressive shadows of Viktor Orbán's regime, is a masterpiece that transcends its humble origins. Through the eyes of a chicken, we witness a modern-day Greek tragedy, a tale of human foibles and the brutal world of people-smuggling. But what makes 'Hen' truly remarkable is the profound commentary it offers on our times, a commentary that resonates far beyond the confines of the screen.
The film's journey began with a simple idea: a biopic of a factory-farmed chicken. But for Hungarian filmmaker György Pálfi, this concept was more than just a story; it was a means of escape from the stifling creative environment in his home country. With no financial support available for independent film-making in Hungary, Pálfi was forced to seek opportunities elsewhere. Mexico became his first port of call, where he gradually developed the idea of making his star a powerless chicken, through whose adventures would be woven a human story. After finding an opportunity to film in Greece, the people-smuggling theme emerged, adding a layer of social commentary to the narrative.
What makes 'Hen' truly fascinating is the unique perspective it offers. By following the chicken's birth and escape from factory-farming shackles, we are invited to become the chicken, to see the world through its eyes. This shift in perspective is a powerful tool, allowing us to witness the unfolding of a modern-day Greek tragedy with new clarity. The film's revealing scenes of factory farming and the quiet desperation of the chicken's existence may turn audiences vegetarian, or at least away from factory-farmed chicken. But that was not the intention. 'Chickens are chickens,' says Pálfi, 'and they bite each other, and so they are not a perfect society.'
The film's production was a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. With a merciless shoestring shooting schedule, the Greek cast had to accept a novel hierarchy, with the chickens coming first. This required a level of professionalism and dedication from the actors, who were trained for two months before the shoot. Each chicken possessed a special power, and the director chose the star based on the requirements of the scene. This unique approach to casting and production was a challenge, but it allowed Pálfi to create a film that was both innovative and accessible.
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'Hen' is the way it serves as an innocent eyewitness, through which we see the foibles of human behavior with new clarity. At times, it almost feels as if the chicken's beady gaze is casting moral judgment. But this is just happening in the audience's mind, says Pálfi. The chicken needs to be a chicken, and sometimes we play with what a chicken can think, but we try very carefully to use a chicken as a chicken.
The film's commentary on our times is profound. It offers a powerful reflection on the difference between animals and humans, and the possibility of moral decisions. In the Greek tragedies, it's too late when someone makes this moral decision, but in 'Hen', we see a glimmer of hope. The fictional Greek restaurateur, Giorgos, stands for all people who embrace brutal populist regimes, and the film raises the question of whether we can get our rights back.
In conclusion, 'Hen' is a testament to the triumph of creativity over oppression. It is a film that offers a powerful commentary on our times, a commentary that resonates far beyond the confines of the screen. Through the eyes of a chicken, we witness a modern-day Greek tragedy, a tale of human foibles and the brutal world of people-smuggling. But what makes 'Hen' truly remarkable is the profound commentary it offers on our times, a commentary that is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. Personally, I think that this film is a masterpiece that will stand the test of time, a testament to the power of artistic expression and the human spirit.
