Contemporary Russian cinema has been pretty dark and cynical lately (Leviathan and Elena), for example), focusing on the profound and persistent corruption in that society. Having said that, the comedy Orleans is dark by even Russian standards.
We meet a rogue doctor in a small town, a guy who relishes a matter-of-fact everyday depravity. He and a local hairdresser are living in a world that is morally bleak enough, when magical realism intrudes in a very bad way – an invincible stranger with evil powers visits town. They all even go to the circus – it’s kind of Fellini meets Tracy Letts meets Rob Zombie. There’s even one of the most cringeworthy eye procedures since Un Chien Andalou.
Orleans is a trippy movie. Settle in, but don’t think that you’ll remain comfortable for long. North American Premiere at Cinequest on March 2, 3 and 4.