Rooster's Breakfast

Since declaring independence from Yugoslavia more than two decades ago, Slovenia has propagated a modest film industry. Calling upon a cinematic history of Slovene-language features dating back to the birth of the medium, the attainment of separate status saw film efforts revitalised. Venice Film Festival award winner Bread and Milk and the country’s initial Academy Awards entrant Close My Eyes are among the movies that emerged. In 2007, they were joined by the nation’s most commercially successful film of all time, Rooster’s Breakfast (Petelinji zajtrk).

For those not already in the know, the origin of the titular term underscores the quirky comedy, in an adaptation of Feri Lainšček’s novel of the same name. Marking the feature debut of New York Film Academy-trained director Marko Nabersnik and the second script from the author (after 2000’s Mokus), the film provides a slice of small-town life, predicated on the familiar culture clash premise of a city dweller moving to a rural area.

The transient character is automotive mechanic Djuro (Primož Bezjak, Barabe!), sent in search of work by his downsizing former employer. Ending up in the service of eccentric garage owner Pisti (Vlado Novak, Vampir z Gorjancev), he attempts to assimilate into his surroundings, with some of the locals proving more hospitable than others. Attractive Bronja (Pia Zemljič, Morje v Casu Mrka) falls into the former category, whilst her thug husband Lepec (Dario Varga, Tractor, Love & Rock 'n’ Roll) represents the latter. Lepec’s business dealings with Pisti complicate proceedings, as does Djuro’s bond with his wife.

Telling a standard tale of dislocation that acts as a metaphor for the changing fates of the country – and is heightened by its 1998 temporal placement – Rooster’s Breakfast is a relaxed affair. Like the sleepy community Djuro awakens with his presence, the film takes time to establish a story beyond the scenario; however unlike the lead character’s actions, it spends too long in an inert state for its eventual revelations to resonate.

Instead, the amiable effort remains pleasant but never potent as it contemplates the idiosyncrasies of its collection of characters. There’s mild amusement to be had as absurdity creeps in, yet there’s also a hint of cynicism beneath the quaint cinematography. The performances further cultivate both aspects, with the same uneven results. An affable offering let down by average execution, Rooster’s Breakfast is a likeable but lightweight addition to Slovenia’s film output.

Rating: 2.5

Rooster’s Breakfast
Director: Marko Nabersnik
Slovenia, 2007, 124 min
Unclassified 18+

Screening as part of the Windows on Europe Film Festival
23–26 February: Brisbane Dendy Cinemas
2–8 March: Sydney Dendy Cinemas