Jiri Trnka had/has a very good reputation in his field for very good reason. He did some amazing work, such as 'Bajaja', 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', 'The Song of the Prairie' and 'Story of the Bass Cello'. And even lesser efforts such as 'The Merry Circus' and (for me) 'The Emperor's Nightingale' were still pretty impressive in many areas. 'The Hand', his last film, is a very atypical film for him and some may argue if familiar with his style that it doesn't feel like Trnka.
Which is what makes 'The Hand' so fascinating, often "it doesn't feel like" is associated as a criticism but actually it was an interest point. While other efforts of his are more accessible, especially all of the above, 'The Hand' gets my vote as his best (as well as his most personal, boldest and darkest) and what a film to go out on. It is very understandable as to why it caused a stir at the time, with the subject being so daring and ahead of the time and its shockingly pull no punches approach to it.
'The Hand' boasts truly beautiful and creepy visuals, have not seen such a vividly scary depiction of oppression for anything on film and certainly in any form of animation. The stop motion is simple but very atmospheric and never cheap, especially for the omnipresent hand. It is also very hauntingly scored and the live action is seamless.
Admittedly the messaging may not be subtle (inevitable though considering the subject), but it does bring out a lot of tension in a way that had never been seen before in anything else by Trnka and is presented very articulately. Not beating one around the head while effectively giving a sense of unease and dread.
In terms of atmosphere, 'The Hand' is a triumph. The depiction of oppression and totalitarialism (a subject that has always been topical and relevant) is quite terrifying and uncompromising, the subject was very daring back then and the execution of it is too. No wonder people felt uncomfortable watching it.
Heavy in symbolism 'The Hand' may be, but it is symbolism that has a lot of unsettling and thought-provoking meaning and is not simplistic, too confusing or ham-handed. Things that can be the case with symbolism. Still cannot believe that something without any dialogue was made in a way that is this powerful (a prime example of atmosphere speaking a lot louder than words). Never has a hand, a glove or any inanimate object been this unsettling or sinister.
The hannequin puppet may be one-dimensional in personality, but the emotions in the animation are more varied and nuanced than one would think.
Overall, brilliant and what a swansong for Trnka or for anybody. 10/10.
