The Fox in the Chicken Coop 1978

Collapse and break from politics

During a heated parliamentary speech, Dolniker suddenly collapses. He is told by doctors and colleagues that he must take a break from politics. He uses this as an opportunity to embark on a dream trip to a far, backward Israeli village.

Arrival in the remote village

Dolniker arrives in the village, expecting a tranquil escape from the spotlight. He is immediately repelled by the bucolic life and by how little the villagers know or care about him. The clash between his political swagger and their simple routines becomes evident.

Imposing order and naming a de facto head

Seeking to impose 'order', Dolniker decides to reorganize the village's affairs. He appropriates a local horse and buggy and assigns it to the village barber as de facto head. The move concentrates power in an unlikely, reluctant beneficiary.

The barber's reluctant ascent

The barber initially resists the new role but soon enjoys the perks and authority. He grows more confident, tightening his grip on power. Dolniker watches with a wry amusement as the barber becomes a stronger figure in the village.

Rivalry with the cobbler

The cobbler and others begin to question whether they should be leaders as well. Tensions rise as rivals vie for status and perks like the horse-and-buggy. Dolniker's plan to centralize power triggers a broader power struggle.

A call for an election

Dolniker suggests holding an election to determine the village leader. The idea is to formalize leadership, but in this setting it quickly devolves into a comic contest of personalities. The villagers debate the method while clinging to favors.

Election day chaos

Election day arrives and the results bear little resemblance to a rational process. Voters chase favors, scandals surface, and the entire process feels absurd. Dolniker finds himself entangled in the very games he hoped to avoid.

Perks, taxes, and petty corruption

With the new leadership, petty corruption and bureaucratic tinkering take hold. Taxes appear on inconsequential items — even three-door closets — and the administrative machinery becomes clumsy and self-serving. Dolniker quietly absorbs the irony of his own meddling.

The village's simple life erodes

The village's once-simple life begins to crumble under the weight of power struggles. Neighbors quarrel over privileges and status, disrupting daily routines. The community's innocence gives way to a farcical, and sometimes cruel, order.

Dolniker reconsiders and the trip nears its end

Dolniker starts to regain his perspective, realizing how his intervention corrupted the village. He watches the farce with a mix of annoyance and amusement. The dream trip ends as he recognizes his role in the folly, albeit with a wry smile.

The new order endures, for better or worse

Although Dolniker withdraws, the village has adapted to the new, imperfect system. The barber continues to wield power alongside the others, shaping daily life through the perks and rules now in place. The simple idyll has been irrevocably altered.