The Tale of the Lost Mind Fabula
I'm a big fan of Polish cinematography. Polish films are a very interesting quintessence of American quality and national theater school. Americans usually play well and play badly. We have the opposite. The Polish people are calculating, and they got the best from these two schools of cinema. There are more Polish films than many people think. And they all have something in common - none of them, regardless of genre, will disappoint you.
The genre of this film is a detective noir. However, there are many deviations from the canons. It's not classic noir. Quite a lot of attention is paid to the detective storyline, and the experiences of the main character are pushed into the background. But by the end of the film, they naturally pop up in all colors. Simply put, the first hour of the picture, the situation is inflated not by the main character and his actions, but by something else that is not characteristic of classical noir.
Technical side
Operating work
Brilliant. It was she who became in this case the tool for maintaining the noir atmosphere throughout the picture. Vague and trembling angles, oppressive gray-green shades, the practical lack of general plans - all this plunges us headlong into the sad and brooding atmosphere of the film.
Directorial work
The fact that the director of this film is a genius, I can not say. However, as a person who is responsible for the competent presentation of requirements for actors, he coped with his task. The film is not rich in dialogue, much is conveyed through views and movements. It is transmitted very well and colorfully. And whose merit it is - the director or actors - is a controversial issue. It seemed that the director did not understand very well what he had to say. Therefore, the film is completely absent ideological line and from the point of view of the narrative, the film is empty.
Work of the writer
Again, nothing genius. Such stories were written long before the appearance of this film. However, the screenwriter of this picture still deserves a “chocolate”: the ending, although quite ordinary for paintings of this genre, but in the context of this work is completely unexpected.
Acting work
Ambiguous. All perfectly coped with their task, but something special and memorable on the screen brought only the lead actor - Andrzej Khira. He perfectly conveys the thoughtfulness and detachment of his character at the beginning of the film, and the fullness of his hysteria at the end.
Artistics
Atmosphere
As I said, above all praise. This film absorbs you from the first frame. With almost no action scenes, the camera makes you stare at the screen, as if hypnotizing and clouding your mind. “Click” and you are no longer at the screen, but there, next to the main character. Walk through a gloomy, lifeless world. And the strangest thing is that you enjoy it, even if you are not a fan of the genre. I’ve never taken this film seriously, but it made me reconsider.
Morality
She's gone, why is she noir? The purpose of this film is not to show “how it should be”, but to show “how it can be”. And how "how can it be" can be nightmarish.
Quality
American. I mean, higher. Taking into account the acting of the Soviet school - just unsurpassed.
Summary
There is no blood or suffering in the film. But he's really scary. A separate mention is the soundtrack. Even when nothing seemingly scary happens on the screen, the background music forces you to squeeze your teeth and get your fingers into your knees. It's a very atmospheric, frightening and really dark movie. A worthy representative of the genre. And when I say the ending is unexpected, that's what I mean. After my words, when viewing you can guess as much as you like how the case will end, but you will never guess.
This film gives you a good chance to experience something new and incomprehensible. This film is not banal and worthy of your attention.
8 out of 10