Czech Film Center

Synopsis

This film bio of Jáchym Topol captures the writer in different manifestations, as an ever-changing presence unfolding variations on himself. The tension in the film comes primarily from the struggle between words and images: between the written text and the computer screen upon which it unfolds, between the verbal expressions of a doubting poet and images giving rise to the physical presence in front of the camera. The director also introduces us to the writer's wife and child. Topol's public face is represented by conversations with his brother Filip, by a series of readings, and by students analyzing the writer's poetry throughout the film. Topol has been transformed into an examination topic.