“I would like to learn how to heal like you. I know I have the gift,” says Jan Mikolasek (Josef Trojan) in a new trailer for Agnieszka Holland’s “Charlatan.” The drama is inspired by a true story and centers on a herbalist who becomes rich and famous by treating patients via unorthodox methods.
“Already a local institution in Czechoslovakia before World War II, the healer gains in reputation and wealth whether during the Nazi occupation or under the Communist rule,” the period pic’s synopsis details. “One after the other, every regime will want to use his skills and in return gives him protection. But how high shall be the costs to maintain this status as the tide turns?”
The trailer shows an older Mikolasek (Ivan Trojan) reflecting on his past from what appears to be police custody. “Don’t ever try to do miracles, my boy. People will never forgive you,” he’s warned. But it appears as though he doesn’t heed the advice. Referred to as a “conman and a charlatan” in the press, Mikolasek persists.
“‘Charlatan’ tells the story of Mikolášek’s rise and fall. Of his moral fall and of his constant fight with the darkness inside him,” Holland told Variety, who premiered the trailer. “It is the story of the mystery of a man, of the mystery of his special gift, of the price he was ready to pay for it; the story of the paradox of strength and weakness, of love and hate.”
Holland’s “In Darkness,” “Europa Europa,” and “Bittere Ernte” (“Angry Harvest”) were nominated for Academy Awards.
“Charlatan” will make its world premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival, set to take place Feb 20-March 1. Holland’s last feature, “Mr. Jones,” premiered at the 2019 edition of the Berlinale.
