A Pessimistic Comedy 1966
In Valery Lebedev's darkly comic short film *A Pessimistic Comedy* (1966), an intellectual grapples with the absurdity of existence when a simple mix-up transforms his planned suicide into a farcical ordeal.
Director: Valery Lebedev
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is A Pessimistic Comedy (1966) about?
A disheartened intellectual attempts to end his life but accidentally takes a laxative instead of poison, launching him into a surreal comedy of errors. The film explores the clash between human suffering and the absurdity of fate through a tragicomic lens.
Who directed A Pessimistic Comedy?
Valery Lebedev directed this short film, which blends dark humor with existential themes in a uniquely Soviet style.
Who stars in A Pessimistic Comedy?
The film features Valentin Kislik, Boris Kovantsev, Albert Shklyar, Vladlen Sharun, and Vyacheslav Stepin in its compact ensemble cast.
Is A Pessimistic Comedy (1966) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, its 27-minute runtime and sharp premise make it a compelling watch for fans of dark comedy and Soviet-era cinema. The film's absurd twist and minimalist execution offer a quick but memorable experience.
How long is A Pessimistic Comedy?
The runtime is 27 minutes.
About A Pessimistic Comedy (1966) — The Short Film Where Arsenic Meets Absurdity
In Valery Lebedev's darkly comic short film *A Pessimistic Comedy* (1966), an intellectual grapples with the absurdity of existence when a simple mix-up transforms his planned suicide into a farcical ordeal. Blending sharp wit with existential dread, the 27-minute Soviet-era gem follows a man whose attempt to end his suffering is derailed by a mistaken dose of laxative instead of arsenic—a twist of fate that turns tragedy into absurdist comedy. Starring Valentin Kislik, Boris Kovantsev, and Albert Shklyar, the film's minimalist setting and deadpan humor underscore themes of human folly and the unpredictability of life.
The atmosphere is a curious mix of melancholy and mirth, as Lebedev's direction leans into the irony of a man who survives his own despair only to find himself trapped in a situation far more ridiculous than his original plan. With its concise runtime and sharp social commentary, *A Pessymistic Comedy* (1966) remains a quirky relic of 1960s cinema, offering a bite-sized dose of dark humor for cinephiles and casual viewers alike.