Extase (Ecstasy)

Extase follows the newlywed Eva as she has her first experience of infatuation not with her elderly husband Emil but with Adam, a young engineer. Against this simple plotline, Machatý together with his cinematographer Jan Stallich unfolded an extravagant visual feast of passion and human labor rich in symbolism that is accompanied by music of one of the most sought-after film composers of the time, Giuseppe Becce. Thanks to her involvement, Hedy Kiesler, an emerging actress cast in the role of Eva, would go on to become the Hollywood star Hedy Lamarr. Extase was made in Czech, German and French versions, each with a slightly different cast.

Even before making Extase, I was convinced that my next film would have to be an artistic act. My conviction grew stronger with every piece I read in the press against the routine production of operettas and comedies, and also with practice which showed that the audience as well was weary of trivial movies. [...] Extase is in every way an attempt, an experiment: from the concept through to the technical mastery of sound film as a whole. An attempt at creating an international film, regardless of established models.
Pressa, no.5, 1933

PRODUCTION: Národní filmový archiv, Prague
Malešická 12
130 00 – Praha, Czech Republic
Tel. + 420 604 243 290
nfa@nfa.cz
http://www.nfa.cz
https://www.facebook.com/NarodniFilmovyArchiv/

PRODUCTION WHEN THE FILM WAS MADE: Elektafilm, Gustav Machatý

WORLD SALES: Žůrek Tomáš - Národní filmový archiv, Prague
Malešická 12
130 00 – Praha, Czech Republic
Tel. + 420 778 487 857
tomas.zurek@nfa.cz
http://www.nfa.cz

PRESS OFFICE: Veronika Bokšteflová - Národní filmový archiv, Prague
Malešická 12
130 00 – Praha, Czech Republic
Tel. + 420 778 522 709
veronika.boksteflova@nfa.cz
http://www.nfa.cz