Przerwane śniadanie braci Montgolfier

Michal Tarkovsky's twenty-minute etude begins with a long monologue in which we hear overlapping voices recorded from television. The magma of sounds appears against a background of blackness that lasts for more than a minute on the screen. We then observe a series of images ripped from the television set. Out of the chaos emerges information about the Highland Academy, which has resumed its activities. The theme of the session will be measuring the world. The bicentennial of the first balloon flight will also be celebrated, with the Montgolfier brothers as guests of honor.

Directed by Michał Tarkowski, Przerwane śniadanie braci Montgolfier leans on a strong ensemble — Gabriella Borkowska, Natasza Czarmińska, Teresa Tarkowska — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about documentary titles of 1980.