Citizen Havel

In 1993, following the fall of Eastern European Communism, former dissident and playwright Vaclav Havel became the first freely elected president of the Czech Republic. The makers of followed the man from up close for years, during elections, party deliberations, state visits and private matters. At home, the leader of the Czech Republic is a charming fellow who enjoys life, cigarettes and the occasional drink. Over the years, the situation changes in his country, but there are also problems in his personal life. The Czech Republic is suffering from an economic crisis, and Olga, Havel's beloved wife, dies after a lengthy illness. Havel is diagnosed with lung cancer and falls in love with the actress Dagmar Veskrnova. During new elections, he is forced to prove himself once again, and Czech politics lose their innocence in the meantime. Intrigues and political deals become an increasingly larger part of daily governance. The filmmakers document without comment how rotary dial phones are replaced with cell phones in redecorated conference rooms. With an eye for detail, they succeed in portraying the man behind the statesman. The footage is interspersed with news reports and family photos from Havel's private collection.