Slovenian Director Encourages More Morning Sex

“Rooster’s breakfast” is Slovenian slang for “early morning sex.” But Marko Nabersnik’s debut feature, Rooster’s Breakfast, is hardly any old toss in the sack. It is the tale of two Slovenian mechanics, and their parallel forays into the erotic, magical worlds of true romance.

Jobless and homeless, the young mechanic Djuro Slavinec (Primoz Bezjak) begins an apprenticeship with Pisti Gajas (Vlado Novak), an elderly car mechanic in a small Slovenian village. He expects a simple, dull job but soon finds himself ensnared in a dangerous love affair with the wife of a local mobster. Meanwhile, the elderly mechanic is caught up in a love affair of his own, fantasizing about the famous Croatian pop star, Severina. As Djuro and Bronja’s romance intensifies, and Gajas’ crush on Severina threatens to become a reality, the small town implodes in shocking drama. Will the mob boss discover his wife’s infidelity? Will Gajas actually make love to the starlet Severina?

Rooster’s Breakfast is a sensual human drama depicting the union of tradition and modernity in Slovenia. Laced with traditional Slovenian folk music and glitzy Croatian pop, the film illustrates the romance and power of both traditional and modern art forms. The character dynamics do the same: Gajas is the heart of Slovenian ritual, whereas his young apprentice, Djuro, symbolizes the mystery of modernity. Yet in the grit of their humble lives, they both have a place for romance.

Beautifully shot and embroidered with rich subplots, the movie submerges the audience in a luscious, vivid reality. It is much like a good novel—as the story progresses, the drama heightens and the characters become more compelling. The acting is superb on all counts, with Vlado Novak giving the most notable work of the piece. In short, Rooster’s Breakfast is a heart-warming, artfully constructed film.

Rooster’s Breakfast is the biggest domestic hit in Slovenia to date. After twenty weeks in Slovenian theatres, the film sold 176,807 admissions, and earned 700,000 Euro. Ranking third in the all-time Slovenian box office, it garnered national awards for best director, actor, and screenplay in 2007. Supported by the Slovenian Film Fund, a national film fund responsible for supporting over 20 Slovenian directorial debuts, Rooster’s Breakfast is sure to be one of the best films at Lincoln Center’s Slovenian Cinema Festival this July. Director Marko Nabersnik will introduce screenings of the film on Wednesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. and Saturday, July 19 at 5:00 p.m. at the Walter Reade Theatre at Lincoln Center.