Watch Davitelj protiv davitelja

"Davitelj protiv davitelja" is a 1984 Yugoslav comedy-thriller directed by Slobodan Šijan. The film, whose title translates to "Strangler vs. Strangler," is a unique blend of dark humor and suspense, which has since become a cult classic in the region. The movie is set in the bustling city of Belgrade and follows the story of Pera Mitić, played by renowned actor Taško Načić. Pera is a mild-mannered florist with an overbearing mother who obsessively dominates every aspect of his life. Despite his timid and unassuming demeanor, Pera's life takes a bizarre turn when he becomes increasingly infuriated by his customers' rude behavior, leading him to develop a different, dark side as a nighttime serial strangler targeting women.

Parallel to Pera's story is that of Spiridon Kopicl, portrayed by the comedic actor Nikola Simić. Spiridon is a bumbling, incompetent inspector tasked with solving the string of mysterious murders that have sent ripples of fear throughout Belgrade. Despite his rather ineffectual crime-solving methods, Spiridon is dedicated to catching the perpetrator and restoring peace to the city, often leading to slapstick situations and humorous encounters.

In a surprising twist of fate, Spiridon's path crosses with Pera, but not in the way one might expect, setting off a series of events that blur the lines between hunter and hunted. The inspector becomes involved with a group of eccentric local artists led by Dara, played by Sonja Savić, and Ivan, portrayed by Srđan Šaper. This group becomes increasingly fascinated by the murders, seeing them as a macabre source of artistic inspiration. They begin to incorporate the strangler motif into their avant-garde performances, inadvertently adding complexity to Spiridon's investigation and leading to an intriguing intersection of art and crime.

The contrast between the flamboyant art scene and the traditional Belgrade setting creates a unique backdrop and satirical commentary on society and culture. "Davitelj protiv davitelja" is more than just a tale of a serial killer; it is a thought-provoking look at how society responds to and even sensationalizes crime. The filmmakers use the storyline to subtly critique the media, public perception, and the art world, all while delivering laughs through an inherently dark storyline.

Visually, the film captures the spirit of 1980s Belgrade, a time when the city was a melting pot of traditions and modern influences. It embraces the atmospheric urban landscapes and the differing social circles that make up the vibrant city life while maintaining a distinctly Yugoslavian ambiance.

The performances contribute greatly to the film's success, beginning with Taško Načić's brilliant portrayal of Pera, which combines pathos and menace in a way that is somehow both unsettling and endearing. The transition of his character from docile to dangerous is delivered with such nuance that audiences are compelled to watch despite the character's heinous behavior.

Nikola Simić delivers a memorable performance as Inspector Spiridon, employing slapstick and physical comedy to bring a much-needed levity to the storyline. His interactions with the art group, and the absurd situations he finds himself in, provide the perfect counterbalance to the film's darker themes.

Srđan Šaper, as part of the supporting cast, brings flair to his role as a forward-thinking artist. His character's acceptance and romanticization of the strangler are a testament to the film's satirical edge, questioning the limits of art and its relationship with reality.

Aside from being a cult classic, "Davitelj protiv davitelja" is a movie that pushes genre boundaries, melding elements of suspense, dark comedy, and societal satire into a cinematic experience that is both unsettling and entertaining. It is a film that can be appreciated on multiple levels, whether it be for its compelling narrative, its eccentric characters, or its critique of contemporary culture.

The film’s soundtrack, with its eerie tunes, perfectly complements the action on screen, adding to the overall mystique and eeriness, while still keeping in tune with the dark comedy aspect of the movie.

In essence, "Davitelj protiv davitelja" is a cult film masterpiece that has stood the test of time. It is a movie that crosses genres and exposes the dualities of human nature, whilst humorously shining a light on the societal norms of the era. With strong performances, eccentric characters, and a storyline that keeps viewers engaged and constantly guessing, it remains a staple piece of cinematic history from the former Yugoslavia.