Murder (1957)
"Morderstwo" (original title)

The camera shows us a door handle and the door's striker plate; from this angle, they form a cross. The door opens and in steps someone in a dark trench coat. He approaches a bed in the ... See full summary »

Director:

Roman Polanski

Storyline

The camera shows us a door handle and the door's striker plate; from this angle, they form a cross. The door opens and in steps someone in a dark trench coat. He approaches a bed in the room, where a shirtless man sleeps. The intruder takes out a knife. His movements are without haste, but deliberate and efficient. Will his sleeping victim awake in time to offer resistance?

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Genres:

Short

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Details

Country:

Poland

Release Date:

November 1988 (Italy)

Also Known As:

Murder

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

2 min

Sound Mix:

Silent

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was Roman Polanski's first completed student short at the State Film School in Lodz, Poland. A story told in almost total darkness and in one room, the film introduces themes he revisited throughout his career.

User Reviews

4 Polanski shorts

Murder (1957)

*** (out of 4)

Roman Polanski's first short film quickly shows a murder taking place. For such a short film (running time wise), the director does a very good job at showing atmosphere and the murder is quite effective as well.

Teeth Smile (1957)

*** (out of 4)

Another short from Polanski, this one dealing with a peeping tom. Once again the young director shows he would become quite capable of building some nice atmosphere.

Break Up the Party (1957)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Somewhat amusing short from Polanski has a more interesting history than what's exactly on screen. Polanski threw a party at his school and invited a gang to break it up half way through. That's what we see here.

Two Men and a Wardrobe (1958)

*** (out of 4)

As the title suggests, two men carry a large wardrobe around the city getting in all sorts of trouble. Polanski shows good timing in the comic moments and his cameo as the gang leader reminded me of a certain scene in Chinatown.