The film 'Hen' is a powerful commentary on the human condition, told through the eyes of a chicken. It's a testament to the triumph of creativity over oppression, and a critique of oppressive regimes that give rise to striking artistic works of resistance. The film's director, György Pálfi, is a maverick who has directed eight wildly original films, from his near-wordless 2002 debut 'Hukkle' to 2006's visually striking and grotesque 'Taxidermia'.
The film's unique perspective is what makes it so compelling. By following the hen's journey from her birth to her escape from factory farming, the audience is invited to become the chicken, and to see the world through her eyes. This shift in perspective is crucial, as it allows the audience to see the foibles of human behavior with new clarity, and to question their own moral decisions.
The film's human story is woven around the hen's adventures, and is told through the eyes of a down-at-heel restaurateur, Giorgos, who is drawn into the brutal world of people-smuggling. The film's cast includes eight identical leading ladies, each trained to become 'human friendly' and to play the part of the plucky black hen. The film's shooting schedule was merciless, with the cast and crew having to work against the clock to meet the deadline.
The film's use of CGI is minimal, with the animal trainer disappearing from the frame and the fox on a leash being removed using special effects. The film's cinematography is low and natural, with the camera shot at a chicken's eye level, to make the hen as natural as possible. The film's revealing scenes of factory farming and the quiet desperation of the hen may turn audiences vegetarian, or at least away from factory-farmed chicken.
The film's commentary on our times is powerful, with the hen serving as an innocent eyewitness to the foibles of human behavior. The film questions the difference between animals and humans, and suggests that humans have the possibility to make moral decisions. However, when someone makes this moral decision, it's often too late, as seen in the case of Giorgos, who gives his life to a mafia but can take it back, albeit with a price.
The film's message is a call to action, with the director suggesting that humans should be able to change their way of living to be a bit better. The film is a testament to the power of creativity and the triumph of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the face of oppression, there is always the possibility of change and redemption.
