Plot summary, “Closely Watched Trains” by Jiri Menzel in 4 Minutes - Book Review
0"Closely Watched Trains" (or "Ostře sledované vlaky" in Czech) is a Czechoslovak novella written by Bohumil Hrabal in 1965. It was later adapted into a critically acclaimed film directed by Jiří Menzel in 1966, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1968.
The story is set during World War II in German-occupied Czechoslovakia and follows the life of a young man named Miloš Hrma. Miloš works as a trainee at a small railway station in a rural town. The station is known for being uneventful, and the employees spend most of their time indulging in various idiosyncrasies and sexual escapades rather than performing their duties.
Miloš, a shy and naive young man, becomes infatuated with a beautiful conductor named Máša. However, his attempts at romance are repeatedly thwarted by his own sexual performance anxieties. Meanwhile, the town is facing increasing pressure from the German occupiers, and the resistance movement is planning a sabotage operation involving a passing Nazi military train.
Miloš finds himself at the center of the story when he is assigned to guard the railway station during the planned sabotage. The events that follow challenge his bravery, loyalty, and sexual insecurities. As the story progresses, Miloš undergoes a personal transformation, ultimately finding the courage to take action and stand up against the occupying forces.
"Closely Watched Trains" combines elements of dark comedy, surrealism, and political commentary. It explores themes such as youthful idealism, sexual awakening, and the absurdity of war. The story reflects the stifling atmosphere of a repressive regime, capturing the absurdity and tragedy of daily life under occupation.
Jiří Menzel's film adaptation of the novella masterfully captures the essence of Hrabal's work, showcasing the subtle humor, memorable characters, and social commentary. The film's success contributed to the international recognition of Czechoslovak cinema and solidified Menzel's reputation as a prominent filmmaker.
Overall, "Closely Watched Trains" is a poignant and thought-provoking work that examines the complexities of human nature and the impact of external forces on individual lives. It remains an important contribution to Czech literature and cinema.