The series of short films by Krzysztof Kieslowski deemed the Decalogue was quite impressive. What I found to be most enjoyable about the films was the way in which the characters and story were presented. Instead of the typical western version of film where characters simply shout out exposition, the decalogue presents the characters and allows the audience to figure out their personalities and motifs. The film on the commandment "Thou Shalt not Kill" in particular used this method to great effect. The main character was shown going about his everyday activities. He goes to a coffee shop and flings a pastry at the window for the amusement of the children outside. Without any dialogue the spilt aspects of his personality are reavealed. He seems to revile both in making children smile (alluding to the death of his sister) and in being a trickster and pushing limits of society. He is both apathetic to life yet has a soft heart. This alludes to the possibility of trauma earlier in his life. His past is not revealed till the end of the film creating a puzzle that connects the entirety of the film. The audience forms their opinions about the characters in the same way they would in real life. Their is a hidden nature that must be unraveled. The technique used by the film is also made more effective by the fact that the director uses unique and human characters rather then archetypes.
No comments:
Post a Comment