By Sheryl Rowling
LA JOLLA, California — A prior year’s audience favorite, Gloomy Sunday was scheduled only one time at the 2015 San Diego Jewish Film Festival. If you missed the film this time (coincidentally on shown on Sunday morning, Feb. 9), you will have to resort to Netflix.
This was the third time I’ve had the pleasure of viewing Gloomy Sunday. (It is one of my favorite films!) Set in pre- through post- World War II Budapest, the story centers around an unconventional threesome: a Jewish-by-birth restaurateur, his waitress/mistress, and a talented pianist. Laslo is equally devoted to both his restaurant and the beautiful Ilona. Newly hired Andras, enchanted by Ilona as well, composes the title melody in honor of her birthday.
Hans, also entranced by Ilona, is the consummate German who becomes more and more drawn to Nazi moral depravity. Grateful to Laslo for saving his life, full of lust for Ilona and jealous of the two men she loves, Hans moves from friend to protector – or not? While the Nazis take over Hungary, Andras’ composition becomes famous and seems to trigger suicides.
Is it possible for the menage-a-troix to live their eccentric, content lives amidst the decaying Hungarian society? What is the true meaning of Gloomy Sunday’s melody? Fine food, complex relationships and entrancing music complement this exquisitely crafted blend of drama, emotion and history.
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Rowling is a freelance writer specializing in matters of personal finance and the cultural arts. Your comment may be posted in the space provided below or sent to sheryl.rowling@sdjewishworld.com