Failed Screenwriter’s Notebook

Circus of Hope (R)

Genre: Gritty, foreign, sub-titled war/circus clown film

In an attempt to diffuse tension in the lead up to the Yugoslav Wars, the Canadian government sent le Cirque du Soleil to the region in September of 1991. Clowns, acrobats and magicians descended upon Balkan border towns in the hopes to bring joy to the Slavic masses.

This movie focuses on the story of Pierrot (Michael Cera) and his magic bubble machine® and his experience in the Bosnian town of Grycnic.

When Pierrot first arrived, he was interrogated by the local militia and deemed an American spy. Pierrot (oblivious to international politics) carried on, flooding the town with ‘magic’ bubbles on a daily basis.

Soon after his arrival, war broke out. Pierrot and his magic bubble machine® were promptly seized by locals and buried alive.

Possible dialogue:

Pierrot:  Regarde! Bubbles sont symbolique de la joie and l’amour. (Look! Bubbles are symbolic of joy and love).

Local: Ovaj Gvido je karanje slaboumnica. (This guy is fu**ing mentally retarded). 

“A life affirming treat” – The Times