Davitelj protiv davitelja

"Davitelj protiv davitelja" is an exceptional and distinctive movie that emerged out of Yugoslavia in 1984; a cinematic gem that blended dark humor and satire into its intriguing and peculiar narrative. Directed by the highly accomplished Slobodan Sijan, the man credited for some of the most influential and iconic Yugoslav movies of all time, who works his charismatic charm on "Davitelj protiv davitelja", painting an odd yet captivating picture of Belgrade in the early 1980s.

The main storyline revolves around two eccentric and distinctive characters, portrayed by two esteemed Yugoslav actors: Tasko Nacic and Nikola Simic. Tasko Nacic embodies the role of Perica, a man who leads a relatively normal life by day, slipping into the skin of a zealous florist, and transforms into a lethal strangler once the sun sets. The psychological duality of his character is riveting, offering the audience a mysterious protagonist with a twisted secret. He endows Perica with the charm of an average bloke, while simultaneously exuding an underlying menace, enhancing the overall sense of unease and suspense.

Nikola Simic brings to life the character of a worker – Doktor – in a statistical office, whose seemingly mundane existence is counterbalanced by his relentless obsession with death and the modus operandi of the strangler, Perica. He is not your usual man interested in sports or politics but is instead fascinated by the dark and macabre, particularly intrigued by the recent string of murders occurring at night. His immersive involvement into the investigation, even though he holds no official role, further adds layers to the plot of "Davitelj protiv davitelja".

His peculiar fascination draws him closer to the criminal's path and becomes entangled in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase albeit on a very unconventional level. Simic expertly depicts the Doktor's quirky traits and attitude, lending an avant-garde feel to the unfolding dark comedy.

Another colorful character adding to the dark humor is Kosta, played by Srdjan Saper. Kosta is an insomniac artist who goes around the city at night to fathom its grim aura, concocting strange and surreal artworks. His overlap with the serial killer’s nighttime activities contributes to further intensifying the plot, creating an interplay of unusual, unrelated characters resulting in a rare mixture of suspense and black comedy.

The film is set against the backdrop of 1980s Belgrade, and Sijan captures the essence of a city that is indifferent and cold, yet alive with gloomy humor and unassuming heroes. The cinematography is rich with dark and atmospheric imagery along with the sporadic use of black and white, a homage perhaps to the classic films of the noir genre. The music score by Vojislav Kostic complements the narrative, working harmoniously with the elements of suspense, building tension where it's due, and adding to the film's charm.

"Davitelj protiv davitelja" is an unconventional thriller, unique with its absurd humor and morbid fascination. It competes with the grim reality of the crimes, yet juxtaposes it with satirical undertones, creating a captivating paradox. This film's exquisite screenplay, enchanting performances, and superior direction contribute to its status as a cult classic. It stands out for its avant-garde approach to storytelling, beautifully portraying the intersection of commonality and strangeness, adding a level of depth and thoughtfulness to the humor.

In conclusion, "Davitelj protiv davitelja" is more than just a comedic thriller, it holds a mirror to society, reflecting the absurdities of everyday life with a chilling yet humorous undertone. It's a unique representation of Yugoslav cinema that effortlessly combines suspense, black humor, and social commentary crafting an unorthodox masterpiece. It's a film that might not suit the taste of a conventional audience, but it's sure to satisfy those with an appetite for something offbeat and idiosyncratic. In many ways, the film underlines the power of cinema to tell a story while simultaneously inviting the audience into its culturally vibrant, albeit bittersweet, landscape.