Daisies (1966) is an experimental feminist feature film by Czech new-wave director Vera Chytilová. It follows the anarchic exploits of two doll-like young women, both called Marie, as they play pranks on gullible older men, conspicuously consume, and speculate on their existence. Their hedonism and irresponsibility was a rebuff to the bleakness of life in communist Czechoslovakia, and the film was banned for the wanton waste of its food fights and milk baths. (The Prague Spring was still two years away.) Daisies is remarkable for its visual inventiveness and disorienting special effects—the filmmaker was out to break as many rules as her heroines. Now over fifty years old, it is a time capsule, from which to consider feminism now.
Opening Hours
- The gallery is temporarily closed, but please see their website for online information and activities
Address
- Civic Square, 101 Wakefield Street
- Wellington 6140
Daisies (1966) is an experimental feminist feature film by Czech new-wave director Vera Chytilová. It follows the anarchic exploits of two doll-like young women, both called Marie, as they play pranks on gullible older men, conspicuously consume, and speculate on their existence. Their hedonism and irresponsibility was a rebuff to the bleakness of life in communist Czechoslovakia, and the film was banned for the wanton waste of its food fights and milk baths. (The Prague Spring was still two years away.) Daisies is remarkable for its visual inventiveness and disorienting special effects—the filmmaker was out to break as many rules as her heroines. Now over fifty years old, it is a time capsule, from which to consider feminism now.
