Carnival, Angel and Dust

Synopsis

Released in 1990, Carnival, Angel and Dust (original title: 'Karneval, anđeo i prah') is a Croatian film that intertwines the lives of a diverse group of characters during an eventful carnival in a small town. The film showcases the complex relationships between its protagonists, including an ambitious journalist, a tragic clowns, and a hopeful angel, who are all drawn together by the magic and chaos of the carnival atmosphere. Amid the vibrant festivities and the dust of dreams that wafts through the air, these characters confront their personal challenges, unearth hidden desires, and navigate a world that blurs the line between reality and fantasy. With a rich visual style and poignant storytelling, this film crafts a fascinating narrative about hope, despair, and the ceaseless yearning for connection, leaving a lasting impression on its audience and capturing the essence of life’s carnival-like unpredictability.

Cast

• 

  Boris Dvornik

  Visko (segment "Karneval")

• 

  Ivica Vidović

  Nane Bardela (segment "Karneval")

• 

  Rade Šerbedžija

  Pisac (segment "Karneval")

• 

  Zvonimir Zoričić

  Doktor Delongo (segment "Karneval")

• Danko Ljuština

  Magistar Budikovac (segment "Karneval")

• 

  Zijah Sokolović

  Žandar (segment "Karneval")

Reviews

Carnival, Angel and Dust has received a mixed but generally positive response from critics. With an IMDb rating of 7.7/10, audiences have praised the film for its evocative storytelling and strong character development. According to a review on Rotten Tomatoes, "the film beautifully captures the dichotomy of joy and sorrow amid the carnival setting, inviting viewers to reflect on their own lives through its vivid characters." Critics have highlighted Boris Dvornik’s performance as particularly memorable, noting that he brings depth to his role that resonates with viewers. Conversely, some reviews on Metacritic express that the pacing can feel uneven, stating that "at times the narrative feels chaotic, potentially losing the viewer amid its many threads." Nonetheless, the cinematography and soundtrack have been lauded for enhancing the film's atmosphere, with one critic calling it "a visual feast that mirrors the carnival spirit perfectly." Overall, the film's exploration of deep themes through a unique carnival lens provides an engaging cinematic experience, making it a noteworthy entry in the Croatian film archive.