Innocence Unprotected

Innocence Unprotected is an experimental documentary film from Yugoslavia, released in 1968. Directed by Dusan Makavejev, the film stars Dragoljub Aleksic, Bratoljub Gligorijevic, and Vera Jovanovic. Makavejev essentially merges two diverse film genres in a strikingly original fashion to create a unique piece of cinema that is both unusual and engaging.

The film ingeniously deploys historical footage and contemporary interviews to depict a story of surreal valour, resilience, and artistic determination set against a dark period in world history. The primary subject of Innocence Unprotected is Dragoljub Aleksic, an acrobat, gymnast, and strongman whose life straddles the line between awe-inspiring courage and utter folly, offering a remarkable view into a fascinating character, his pursuits of passion, and his contorted sense of heroism.

Dragoljub Aleksic is celebrated as a national figure renowned for his daring feats of physical bravery, nimbleness, and audacity. As part of his jaw-dropping acts, he is known to have performed a tightrope walk between two skyscrapers and stopped an airplane from taking off using just his teeth. An extraordinarily versatile personality, Aleksic paints himself not only as an athletic marvel but also as a spirited filmmaker in the heart of the narrative.

Innocence Unprotected adopts a collage-like structure, merging together retrospectively filmed interviews, vintage performance footage, and the narrative pulled from Aleksic's original film of the same name. Aleksic had attempted to make and distribute Innocence Unprotected during the Nazi occupation of Yugoslavia in World War II. Despite the obvious dangers involved, Aleksic stubbornly pursued his filmmaking ambitions with unyielding courage which belies the seemingly naive innocence that gives this film its title.

The film features interviews with Aleksic himself and various people who had been involved in the original film. These interviews etch out fascinating details about Aleksic's life, his eccentric personality, and the making of the original film that illustrates the courage of a group of individuals determined to express their artistry amid the direst of circumstances. A particularly striking aspect is Aleksic's affable nature making him a peculiar figure to revel in - a man jovial in his reminiscence of his daring, yet foolishly brave endeavours.

Innocence Unprotected also maintains a comedic undertone owing to its blend of surreal history and slapstick comedy. The original film, a “melodramatic folk tale,” forms a significant chunk of the current film's narrative. The outrageous characterizations, heightened emotions, and Aleksic's over-the-top, physical performances, juxtapose the grim reality of wartime and ceaseless passion of a man for his craft, offering an often humorous contrast to the film's serious context.

The film goes beyond Aleksic's prowess and audacity, also highlighting the other cast members of his film. This includes Bratoljub Gligorijevic and Vera Jovanovic, whose interviews and interactions enrich the narrative, infusing it with a charm that lingers. Especially noteworthy is Vera Jovanovic’s role as a damsel in distress in the original film, which adds a layer of drama and spectacle to an already bustling narrative. Amidst all that the film offers, her performance stands out and complements Aleksic’s audacious character, further enhancing his histrionics and power.

The cinematography of Innocence Unprotected is vibrant and varied, shifting aptly to accommodate the multifaceted narrative containing elements of comedy, drama, and action. The film expertly integrates black-and-white shots from the original film with color footage from the 60s, enhancing the film's unique ambience and helping viewers bridge the gap between time periods.

One of the most captivating aspects of Innocence Unprotected is its rich social and political commentary, which explores a nation's wartime experience and breakneck cultural shift in the aftermath. The film serves not only as a wildly entertaining compendium of an eccentric strongman's exploits but also acts as an insightful reflection of a Yugoslavian society caught in the throes of war and thereafter, its journey towards cultural modernism.

Innocence Unprotected is a compelling, convoluted, and intriguing film. The eccentric and robust character of Dragoljub Aleksic stands at its core, yet its essence lies in the way it merges disparate cinematic elements and historical periods to create a work that is both profound and entertaining in equal measures. Exemplifying a unique form of narrative innovation, Makavejev’s film dissects history on a personal and cultural level, offering a multilayered interpretation of passion, resilience, folly, and the power of human spirit seen through the lens of one man’s bizarre acts of bravery.