Movie No. 39 (2013): A SHORT FILM ABOUT KILLING
A Short Film About Killing (1988)
Director: Krzyzstof Kieslowski
Cast: Miroslaw Baka, Krzysztof Globisz
In Polish, with English subtitles
The opening scene is an indication of things to see in (or expect from) this film: a dead rat and a dead cat hanging by the neck. This disturbing scene (in my opinion) summarizes the film. It's a crime-and-punishment type of story, one that can be a direct attack to capital punishment. One character quotes "Since Cain, there's no punishment capable of changing the world." This quote, suggestive of the film's central argument, is genius as integral part of the script.
Director: Krzyzstof Kieslowski
Cast: Miroslaw Baka, Krzysztof Globisz
In Polish, with English subtitles
The opening scene is an indication of things to see in (or expect from) this film: a dead rat and a dead cat hanging by the neck. This disturbing scene (in my opinion) summarizes the film. It's a crime-and-punishment type of story, one that can be a direct attack to capital punishment. One character quotes "Since Cain, there's no punishment capable of changing the world." This quote, suggestive of the film's central argument, is genius as integral part of the script.
Everything in this film is cold. In all the scenes, you can feel the cold weather. People are cold. The murder, though almost botched, is cold-blooded. The punishment is executed coldly. I guess that's the sense the film is trying to make.
Another thing I like about the films is the manner the build up of tension is presented. One might get bored with what seem to be unrelated scenes presented during the first half (or maybe more) of the total running time. In my case, however, with the opening scene in mind, I expected something (but not much) that would reward me for being patient. But there's no major twist. It was then that, I realized that the film is more of a character study, in addition to its being a subtle social commentary. In this aspect, it's splendid. The film is simply great!
Highly recommended. And, by the way, this is not a short film.
Another thing I like about the films is the manner the build up of tension is presented. One might get bored with what seem to be unrelated scenes presented during the first half (or maybe more) of the total running time. In my case, however, with the opening scene in mind, I expected something (but not much) that would reward me for being patient. But there's no major twist. It was then that, I realized that the film is more of a character study, in addition to its being a subtle social commentary. In this aspect, it's splendid. The film is simply great!
Highly recommended. And, by the way, this is not a short film.
Date seen: February 8, 2013
Rating: 4.0/4.0
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