A Short Film About Love (Krotki film o milosci)
Directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski
Written by Krzysztof Kieslowski and Krzysztof Piesiewicz
1988/Poland
Zespol Filmowy “Tor”
First viewing/FilmStruck
[box] Different people in different parts of the world can be thinking the same thoughts at the same time. It’s an obsession of mine, that different people, in different places, are thinking the same thing, but for different reasons. I try to make films which connect people. – Krysztof Kieslowski[/box]
What is love? It takes a Bergman or a Kieslowski to really explore its depths.
A teenage boy spends most of his time in his bedroom spying on the beautiful older woman in the opposing apartment through a telescope. He sees her most intimate moments including regular visits by at least a couple of different men. He figures out various stratagems to meet her and finally works up the courage to telephone.
His victim is not amused to say the least. When the boy declares his love she seeks revenge by trying to prove there is no such thing. She is wrong.
I’m a big fan of Kieslowski but had not seen this film which is expanded from Episode 6 of the director’s “Dekalog” television series. I thought this was a real masterpiece. The filmmaking from cinematography to acting to music is exquisite. I love the way the film sort of shape-shifts from a coming-of-age story in which the boy learns about love to something much deeper in which the woman learns a lesson of her own. Highly recommended.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15fyIDqP4SQ
Clip – Ending (no subtitles)
