Based on the Estonian most loved classic, “Fools of Fame” takes us back to the beginning of 20th century, when Estonia was part of the Tsarist Empire. National self-consciousness was starting to bloom and many Estonians had a burning desire to create something eternal for their Nation – whether it was a miracle of engineering or a piece of timeless literature.
Salomon, after having had several bumps in various professions, has decided to make a name for himself as a writer. He rents a room in a modest house of Agnes, a laundress and a single mother, hoping to find peace and quiet for his work. Unfortunately, Salomon’s noble intentions are not destined to come to fruition, because of the next-door neighbour Jan, the local inventor and natural scientist.
The fate and a series of peculiar events turn the two would-be geniuses into enemies. Things are not made any easier by the fact that Salomon sees his muse in Agnes, while Jan hopes to marry her. A local businessman Ferdinand, who also suspiciously frequently visits Agnes’ house, adds fuel to the fire. Agnes, on the other hand, has her own desires and dreams – she wants to find a loving partner who would also be the right step-father for her son.
“Fools of Fame” is a tragicomic story about high aspirations in difficult times. It is a story of how the realisation of beautiful ideals can be hindered by mundane things and adverse circumstances.
