FASHION IN FILM: VALERIE AND HER WEEK OF WONDERS

Menstrual blood. Jealous lovers. Incest. Pedophilia. Ritualism. Bestiality. Lesbianism. Orgies. Violence. Vampirism. Torture. Partial nudity. Public Executions. .. and an animal killing for good measure. Not exactly your average film, even by 70s European standards, and how it stayed off the banned lists is beyond me. But what’s even more odd? A 13 year old girl (Anna Karina-esque Jaroslava Schallerova) played the female lead. Like the Annunciation and Maladolescenza, one can’t help but wonder who the target audience for Jaromil Jires’ gothic fantasy film Valerie and Her Week of Wonders was. At first glance one might assume this is a childrens movie, yet it’s anything but. Its overt darkness lies in perfect equilibrium with the innocence of the young girls flaunted throughout. The line between ingenue and lolita blurred. Set in the Czech countryside’s fin de siecle, the costumes are a mix of authentic Edwardian garb and contemporary fashions from the late 60s and 70s which paid tribute to the era. Crisp white cottons, lace, ruffles, opulent wide sleeves, tea and floor length skirts, shawls, bejeweled brooches, and a seemingly magical pair of earrings. Oh my. And lest we forget, a necklace which doubles as a weapon. The storyline itself is rather bizarre; like a hybrid of Candy, Nosferatu, Alice in Wonderland, and Viy…. but with more twists and turns than you’d think possible for only 73 minutes of film. Strictly art house in other words, despite a Hammer horror like appearance. As a vintage clothing enthusiast and fan of juxtaposition in art, I highly recommend Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (particularly to fans of the aforementioned titles). It’s as confusing as it is amusing, and that’s what makes it so fun.