I, Olga Hepnarova

A depressed woman is pushed into committing a horrible crime in I, Olga Hepnarova. For all of her life, Olga Hepnarova (Michalina Olszanska) was a victim of bullying, whether it be the abuse she received from her parents or the torment by fellow girls at a psychiatric hospital. Despite having a number of female lovers, Olga is unable to develop any real emotional attachment and falls more deeply into depression. Finally, she reaches a breaking point, where Olga has to choose between killing herself or killing others.

I, Olga Hepnarova is a biography of the self-described “enlightened psycho” Olga Hepnarova. Played excellently by up-and-coming Polish actress Michalina Olszanska (The Lure), Olga suffered from anxiety and depression from a very young age, which eventually resulted in her driving a truck into a group of 25 strangers on July 10, 1973. I, Olga Hepnarova shows the events that lead up to this incident, which includes Olga’s constant bullying and failed lesbian relationships.

I, Olga Hepnarova is very artfully shot in black and white photography, without the use of any music, save for one scene that takes place in a bar. However, the lack of a score does result in the film coming off as a bit monotonous. Also, Olga’s infamous crime doesn’t really become the focus until the final act, with the rest of the film going through the biopic motions. While it is quite good from an artistic sense, I, Olga Hepnarova ended up being a heavy film with heavier presentation.

Screenings:

• Monday, July 25, 3:00 PM – J.A. De Seve Theatre