Railwaymen

Summary

Evald Schorm's first colour film follows the work of railwaymen and how they live on the railway. The rhythm of the film and its individual parts are adequate to the rhythm of work at the railway station. The camera does not avoid the sudden expressive changes in shot sizes or dynamics to emphasize the precision and difficulty of human labour in mechanical tasks. The stern voice of the commentator Richard Honzovič provides basic technical information, while short shots zoom in on the activities of individual professions in detail. Music and images poeticize moments of relaxation and convivial conversation. The sequence of the train ride is complemented by a short reflection on the passage of time on the railway and the constant journey forward. It is a poem by Evald Schorm, Tvůj čas, performed by actress Dana Medřická. The reportorial view is merged with elements of inquiry, the austere documentary and civil style is enlivened with elements of film experiment and lyrical poeticization through colour and music. A riveting montage rhythm accurately measures the viewer's emotions and leads them to a proper unique experience of this specific working environment.

Synopsis