Review
by Moyra J. Bligh originally written for the "John
& Delenn Site"
Directed by one of my favorite Eastern European directors Rajko Grlic,
this is a very satisfying and delightful farce. It was filmed in Zagreb
(Mira's birthplace), and gives you a small idea of how beautiful the city
is.
The plot of the movie involves an attractive, if slightly chubby middle
aged female filmmaker, with a complicated personal life, who is making a
television soap opera called "The Jaws of Life". The soap opera deals with
the life of "Stefica Cvek" a slightly chubby office clerk also with a rather
complicated personal life. As the two stories run parallel each to the other
they begin to meld and intertwine, and so life begins to imitate art. Or is
it art imitating life?
Mira plays "Marijana" the secondary character within the soap opera, a
secretary who works with "Stefi". "Marijana" is bleached blonde, bold,
brash, brazen and more than a little over the top. What Mira does with her
is absolutely delicious. Her versatility is amazing, even though I had seen
photos from the movie I was not prepared for what Mira would look like, or
be like in this film. This role is totally unlike any other role I've seen
Mira in. It is very evident from her work in this film that Mira has a flair
for comedy, and her timing is absolutely superb.
If you enjoy "In the Jaws of Life," or simply like Eastern European films
in general I'd recommend seeing any other of Rajko Grlic's works notably
"That Summer of White Roses" and "The Melody Haunts My Reverie". Most of
Mr. Grlic's films are available at Facets. It is thanks to Mira and this
film that I originally became a fan of this director.