Radu Jude’s “Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn”

Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn (2021)

Gonzo meditation on porn, privacy, prejudice, hypocrisy and the ridiculous state of a world where consensual sex is more shocking than fascism

This triptych centres around Emi(Katia Pascariu) who teaches at an exclusive secondary school in Romania whose life is upturned by the release of a sex tape of her and her husband Eugen. The film opens with the full, explicit sex tape which plants the stake in the ground and acts as a point of reference throughout its runtime.

In the first act, we see Emi making her way through covid-era Budapest between scenes of her dealing with the controversy. With a light touch, we get to know Emi and on the surface, nothing really differentiates her from the rest of pedestrians which is contrary to what people like to assume given our first introduction to her. Throughout, the camera often veers away from her and we see facets of Budapest and Romanian society which play like an inverted city symphony often highlighting the negatives rather than doe-eyed reverence. In a way, this part of the film as well as the second act are collecting the ingredients that form the feast that is act three.

In the second act, we’re presented with a series of short scenes that present a varied, impressionist representation of Romanian society and its recent history. It plays like a condensed documentary in the tone of Roy Andersson. Again, piecing together the ingredients that will feed into the finale.

The third act is where it comes together in what is essentially a trial as Emi attends a meetings of parents and staff to decide her future. Divides between the puritanical and practical are shown as well as the hypocrisy. For those offended, they’re the most keen to show the full video before starting proceedings complete with old men wiping grimy glasses in preparation. Those who take a more contemplative and sympathetic tone quote long passages from philosophers alienating most of the group; a clear criticism of the middleclass left. We also learn that Emi is very good at her job so why does any of this matter?

Overall, this is a daring and consistently interesting film which first and foremost a comedy. The closest I’ve seen to it is Boots Riley’s “Sorry to Bother You” which is one of my favourite films in recent years. Funny, surprising and with a lot to think about, this is a classic that shouldn’t be missed.