28
Oct

The Decalogue: A Short Film about Love


Information about film

Director: Krzysztof Kieślowski
Country/year: Poland 1988
Duration: 83’
Place: China Film Archive

Film description:

“A Short Film about Love” is the feature film version of the sixth part of “The Decalogue” television series, an unprecedented expression of one artist, based on the ten commandment: a basic ethical code that formed the cultures of Judaism and Christianity. Kieslowski does not limit it to a simple interpretation of “Thou shalt not commit adultery”, but tells about the need for love and asks about its boundaries. He portraits the story of a boy raised in an orphanage, who falls in love with an older neighbour. All day, he spies on the woman through binoculars, fascinated with her life filled with numerous romances. Contrasting the innocence of Tomek’s feelings with Magda’s cynical awareness of her charm shows a string of tension between the characters. Separately from the remaining parts of “The Decalogue”, the film, as its title suggests, is simply a subtle story about love and loneliness.

About the director:

Krzysztof Kieślowski is a world renowned Polish director and screenplay writer. Born in 1941, he is one of the artists of the so-called “cinema of moral unrest”. In both his feature films and documentaries, it’s always man that is most important – his existential problems and ethical choices. This enables the film director to pose universal questions on the human condition and the role of man in the world. Kieślowski’s characters are often confronted with the reality surrounding them and are forced to give a testament of their humanity. Despite his passing 20 years ago, the director’s perceptive nature and the uncompromising way he confronts his characters with reality makes his films still up to date, with viewers reflecting on life and inspiring interesting discussions.

Most important films:

  • 1977 “From the Night Porter’s Point of View”
  • 1979 “Camera Buff”
  • 1988 series of ten films “The Decalogue”
  • 1991 “The Double Life of Véronique”
  • 1993-1994 the trilogy “Three Colors” – “Blue”, “White”, “Red”

By Agnieszka Mysiak based on www.culture.pl