Product Description

Perhaps the greatest European director of the last 30 years, Krzysztof Kieslowski created a remarkable body of work in a relatively short period of time. His films are loved around the world for their dramatic power and consummate artistry. Kieslowski's cinematic style stands apart in several important respects: his mastery of abstract imagery, his innovative use of sound and his deliberate circumvention of standard cinematic codes. Unlike many other 'art film' directors, who often fail to rise above commentary on the medium itself, Kieslowski uses these stylistic liberties to explore his philosophical concerns: fate, God, suffering, and love. Through close analysis of films like The Decalogue, The Double Life of Veronique, Blue, White and Red, Joe Kickasola identifies the unique qualities, and artistic legacy, of this great director.

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Very Theoretical, Very Insightful        Rating:

I have read both Insdorf's and Haltof's books on Kieslowski. Insdorf gives good overviews and Haltof is useful especially for Polish background. But for insights into specific films, Kickasola is the most useful.

The opening section of theoretical background, some 90 pages long, is difficult reading. Kickasola seems determined to impress us with how knowledgeable he is about theories of cognition and art. His basic point is that Kieslowski, especially in the later films, is seeking an idea of transcendence--something beyond ordinary reality--and expresses that search through abstract images. Those images force us to see the world in new ways and appeal to us on a pre-rational level.

Then when he gets into discussing specific films, Kickasola is brilliant. He picks out detail after detail and makes wonderfully insightful comments that send you back to re-view the films. If you're a casual film buff, read Insdorf: she's intelligent and interesting. But if you have a serious interest in Kieslowski, you must read Kickasola. (Check the book out from the library first and read on one of the individual films. That's what I did, and then immediately bought the book.)

The in-between...        Rating:

This is a great book for one who is looking for an easy-to-understand but in-depth analysis of Kieslowski's various films. Although the most recent trilogy is yet to be incorporated into this text, this book nonetheless serves as both a foundation and structure for studies on the 'transcendental' image. This book also cites varying philosophers and important literary figures. A good sum-up point would be the fact that almost all characters, as described by the author, are in between something, usually dichotomies, like life and death.

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