Hunting Flies 1969 film
"Hunting Flies" (Polish: *Polowanie na muchy*) is a 1969 Polish comedy film directed by Andrzej Wajda. It was screened at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival and shortlisted for the Palme d'Or.
The film follows Włodek, a young man working in a library, who lives a mundane life with his wife, son, and in-laws. His wife's constant nagging about moving to a larger apartment and his father-in-law's obsession with flies add to his daily struggles. Włodek's life shifts upon meeting Irena, a captivating woman with an impressive vocabulary. Their relationship is intellectual rather than physical, though Irena attempts to control him to achieve success as she envisions. Ultimately, Włodek regains control of his life.
The film was well-received by critics but faced criticism for its portrayal of women. Wajda later admitted that personal frustrations influenced his acceptance of the script, leading to a flawed depiction and a generally lackluster result. *Hunting Flies* stands out as an atypical work for Wajda, offering a satirical take on young adults navigating social challenges, family issues, and societal constraints, much like flies trapped in a web.