Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot Adapted by Estonian Director Rainer Sarnet

18-10-2011

Dostoyevsky’s The Idiot Adapted by Estonian Director Rainer Sarnet

By Martin Aadamsoo

An adaptation of Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel, The Idiot (Idioot) by Estonian director Rainer Sarnet screened in the Flash Forward section of the Busan International Film Festival. The film, produced by Katrin Kissa of the Homeless Bob Productions and budgeted at a reported 565,000 EUR, opened domestically on 14 October 2011 to generally positive critical acclaim.

The feature is a loose adaptation of the Russian literary classic's defining work that packs together highly stylised settings shot in Estonia's defunct churches and monasteries with a soundtrack ranging from classical to disco. It is the third feature by Sarnet and his second film for cinematic release. The film picked up 2,177 admissions in it opening weekend, a fairly strong showing for a domestic art-house pic.

The film was produced by Katrin Kissa of Homeless Bob Productions, the company that also produced the highly acclaimed The Temptation of St.Tony by Veiko Õunpuu. The film's 595,000 EUR budget was provided by Estonian funds, with the bulk coming from the Estonian Film Foundation. The producer has yet to announce an international sales agent for the feature.

Teaser:

http://vimeo.com/27461572

Web-page

facebook.com/idiootfilm

Credits:

Original title: Idioot

Director: Rainer Sarnet

Script: Rainer Sarnet

Cinematography: Mart Taniel

Set designer: Jaagup Roomet

Sound designer: Ivo Felt

Costume designers: Jaanus Vahtra, Riina Põldroos