Little Otik

Written and directed by Jan Svankmajer, Little Otik is offbeat and occasionally surreal look at childbirth and motherhood. A couple desperate for children adopt a tree root which looks (only a little, mind you) like a little baby. Things get decidedly iffy when the tree root (now dubbed Little Otik) comes alive, causing all manner of problems. An extremely surreal excursion, there's an inherent coldness about Little Otik. While the story has little or no basis in reality, the director's constant usage of close ups of his actors is very unsubtle, leaving nothing to the imagination. The narrative lacks invention since the central premise is established early on, with little in the way of subplots or depth away from the main tenant. Admittedly, the director is to be commended for his refusal to adhere to 'conventional' drama, but the overly long Little Otik left this reviewer slightly confused and not particularly moved.