Slushatel

i have to admit, i accepted a friend's invitation to watch a contemporary Russian film,only because i was dying of boredom on a summer afternoon, my experience of Russian cinema being limited to tarkovsky's zerkalo(the mirror), so i was expecting something intense and brooding.Slushatel (aka listener) was a very pleasant surprise. to give a brief outline of the plot: alimony has ensured that petrov, the wealthy president of a successful company, is left with only "his toothbrush and his freedom". so he approaches an employment bureau where he's offered a job with a good salary, comfortable housing and meals.all he has to do is Listen...to a dysfunctional(is there any other kind?) family's numerous problems, which range from plagiarism, adultery,bullying, divorce,a flooded apartment, etc.occupational hazards include grievous physical and mental violence, which will be heftily compensated for. there' also the sub-plot of petrov's ex-wife and her "gigolo" lover(and his cuff-links) quirky, witty, fine performances( even when they are hysterical), a catchy background theme that blends perfectly, Slushatel's a treat to watch. now running at your nearest Russian consulate.