MASTERS OF CINEMA: Czech/US Inspirations

A nostalgic audience watched Miloš Forman's first feature-length Czech film Audition (Konkurs) and then his American debut film Taking Off at the National Gallery of Art on September 23. Audition is a black and white account of tryouts for a musical play at Prague's famous Semafor Theatre in the 1960’s. The colored feature Taking Off also begins with a talent competition but is placed in the context of the time in America. Michal Bregant, Director of the National Film Archive in Prague, introduced both films and discussed Forman’s cinematic approach with the reminiscent viewers.