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Tight Quarters

Tight Quarters (1983)

Jun 19, 1983 1h 25m Drama

In this mix of black comedy and harsh drama, a man and wife are divorced yet still have to share their living quarters even though the wife has remarried -- housing is seriously hard to find in Budapest. Csaba (Karoly Eperjes) has just come out of doing a stint in prison because he stabbed a man while drunk, and when he goes home he discovers that his wife (Mariann Erdos) is now living with someone else in their apartment. Csaba quickly divorces his wife but he still has to move in and share a kitchen and bathroom with her and her new mate, suffering because he still loves her. This untenable situation is complicated by visits from Csaba's mother, and by various women he starts seeing, as well as by a busy-body neighbor. The three main roles of Csaba, his wife, and her lover (Peter Andorai) are excellently interpreted in this satire on social morés and economic realities.

Directed by György Szomjas

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • György Szomjas
Writer
  • István Verebes
  • György Szomjas
  • Ferenc Grunwalsky
  • Csaba Kardos
  • Sándor Fábry

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Tight Quarters examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director György Szomjas brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1983, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Tight Quarters took approximately 9 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 85 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2110 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
  • Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.

Historical Context

  • In 1983, when this film was released:
  • The Cold War was entering its final phase.
  • Economic policies were shifting toward deregulation in many Western countries.
  • Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.

How This Film Stands Out

Details

  • Release Date: June 19, 1983
  • Runtime: 1h 25m

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