Zywot Mateusza (1968)

Director:

Witold Leszczynski

Writers:

Witold Leszczynski (writer)
Wojciech Solarz (writer)

Release Date:

16 February 1968 (Poland)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Drowning | Loneliness | Nature | Sensitivity | Parable

Awards:

2 wins

Cast

  (Credited cast)

Franciszek Pieczka	...	Mateusz
Anna Milewska	...	Olga
Wirgiliusz Gryn	...	Jan
Aleksander Fogiel	...	Host
Hanna Skarzanka	...	Hostess
Malgorzata Braunek	...	Anna
Maria Janiec	...	Ewa
Elzbieta Nowacka	...	Girl
Kazimierz Borowiec	...	Boy
Aleksander Iwaniec	...	Hunter
Joanna Szczerbic

Also Known As:

Żywot Mateusza (Poland)
Matthew's Days

Runtime:

80 min

Country:

Poland

Language:

Polish

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Mono

Company:

P.P. Film Polski

An unforgettable adaptation of an excellent novel

This movie is based on what many consider one of the greatest novels ever written, Tarjei Vesaas' The Birds.

As in all Vesaas novels, the story takes place in a rural setting, and the proximity to nature is an obvious factor. Also, the immense psychological depth of the characters is important.

The protagonist is Mateusz, perhaps 35-40 years of age, who lives with his sister Olga. He is, in some way or another, "retarded", but apparently not emotionally so. This story gives a captivating insight into his world.

The pace is quite slow, the black-and-white pictures are beautiful, the focus is on building an atmosphere and developing the characters, and the choice of music is of very good taste.

There's nothing to see here for those who want action or fun. This is a sincere movie which mature viewers may find totally unforgettable.