18-10-2011

Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot adapted by Estonian Director Rainer Sarnet

By Martin Aadamsoo

    An adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel, The Idiot (Idioot) by Estonian director Rainer Sarnet screened in the Flash Forward section of the Busan International Film Festival. The film, produced by Katrin Kissa of the Homeless Bob Productions and budgeted at a reported 565,000 EUR, opened domestically on 14 October 2011 to generally positive critical acclaim.

    The feature is a loose adaptation of the Russian literary classic's defining work that packs together highly stylised settings shot in Estonia's defunct churches and monasteries with a soundtrack ranging from classical to disco. It is the third feature by Sarnet and his second film for cinematic release. The film picked up 2,177 admissions in it opening weekend, a fairly strong showing for a domestic art-house pic.

    The film was produced by Katrin Kissa of Homeless Bob Productions, the company that also produced the highly acclaimed The Temptation of St.Tony by Veiko Õunpuu. The film's 595,000 EUR budget was provided by Estonian funds, with the bulk coming from the Estonian Film Foundation. The producer has yet to announce an international sales agent for the feature.

    Teaser:

    http://vimeo.com/27461572

    Web-page

    facebook.com/idiootfilm

    Credits:

    Original title: Idioot

    Director: Rainer Sarnet

    Script: Rainer Sarnet

    Cinematography: Mart Taniel

    Set designer: Jaagup Roomet

    Sound designer: Ivo Felt

    Costume designers: Jaanus Vahtra, Riina Põldroos

    Editor: Tambet Tasuja

    Composer: Ülo Krigul

    Make-up: Anu Konze

    Producer: Katrin Kissa

    Production company: Homeless Bob Productions

    www.homelessbob.ee

    Principal cast:

    Risto Kübar, Katariina Unt, Tambet Tuisk, Ragne Veensalu, Ain Lutsepp, Taavi Eelmaa, Juhan Ulfsak, Kaido Veermäe

    Length: 132 min

    Genre: drama
    16mm / color / DolbySR