Documentary retells life of Czech composer Jan Kapr through opera format

Lucie Králová's documentary explores the life of Czech composer Jan Kapr through a unique operatic format. It combines unseen archival footage with a new libretto by Jiří Adámek, sung in a style that reflects Kapr's personal and professional struggles. The film highlights Kapr's early support for the communist party and his later disillusionment, particularly after the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Water imagery and minimalist visuals enhance the storytelling, contrasting with Kapr's vibrant home recordings. While the film creatively blends opera and archival material, it sometimes overshadows Kapr's own music. A greater focus on his compositions could have better illustrated his evolution from propaganda to avant-garde music.