no big deal
a short film
Director's thoughts
I’m a freakin’ good English teacher. That’s what I’m good at… It’s best to tell a story that you yourself are a part of, and being a freelance language tutor is the definition of my everyday life. Changing taxes, technical problems, precarious situations… It was just calling for an absurd film!
I had a lot of fun shooting… We found a large kitchen in the Rózsadomb area of Budapest, where mostly wealthy people live, so it was a must to make the interior look a bit more run-down. Natasa is a well-known actress in the film industry. I met her at an Östlund set, and while queuing for costume, I asked her to collaborate We had a great time rehearsing and going through the script … Ernő is an experimental musician, and he was quite open to join the cast. He surprised us with his hilarious facial expressions and truly great delivery. I had already worked with Éva in an experimental short. I knew she would be a brilliant choice for the grumpy neighbour. Her lines as Klári make audiences laugh out loud every time, without fail! We shot the film for two days. Our camera guy who did an amazing job with post production work as well was at the time ill with fever. He totally saved the project by not cancelling on me for these two days.
Károly accidentally stabs his wife, Vera in the stomach while slicing bananas for the breakfast cereal. How does their morning build up towards this sad event? Károly and Vera are freelancers, they live their daily life in survival mode, struggling with difficult working conditions, and constant financial uncertainty. The accident happens as the couple prepares breakfast before Károly is to teach his online English class, and they are discussing Vera’s job interview invitation, a possible chance for her financial breakthough. Shocked but not panicked, the couple responds with practiced efficiency—as if handling a routine setback. While Vera sits on the kitchen floor bleeding and awaiting the ambulance, Károly sits down next to her and does what he knows best: he opens his laptop, logs into TEAMS, and begins teaching his English class.
Starring Natasa Stork, Ernő Zoltán Rubik, Éva Bakos
Also appearing: Mónika Bódai, Krisztina Fehér, Anna Fleckenstein, Mónika Gáspár, Bettina Vonnák-Balázs
Written and directed by Katalin Burns // Camera and post production: Sándor Árkus // Gaffer: Péter Nemes // Boom operátor: Kata Dékmár // SFX, makeup: Agnese Kļave // Assistant director: Anna Fleckenstein
