Aria dla atlety

Like its title, Aria for an Athlete, this near masterpiece is a synesthesia of visual and lyrical art, the physical brutality of its wrestling indistinguishable from its gorgeous musical score. Grand opera, in story and in life, is brutal, and the whole world is a stage, but life more so. Many Fellini-like elements here: surrealism, and the alchemy of culture, artistic and logistic, as the protagonist travels in extrasensory ecstacy, in satyr-like orbits. My review is written still under the effects of its disorienting spell. Yes, it is the story of an athlete, a wrestler, when this wrestler was a Caruso, more than opera. Stunningly beautiful: costuming, photography, music, sets, characters and locations. Wistful dialogue; memorable performances. You will not, perhaps can not, find this originality from Hollywood. Spend two hours in its ether, then more regaining your senses. It is a lyrical symphony, an opera, a reflection, a dream, a biography; a life. It is to what poetry aspires.

I was really eager to see this movie as it comes from the Golden Age of Polish cinematography. Didn't actually know or hear much about "Aria dla atlety" before seeing it on TV screening. Well it seems like this feature production was forgotten and stored on a dusty shelf in Polish TV archives.

Movie tells the story of Polish wrestler Wladyslaw Goralewicz famous at the beginning of XX century. Goralewicz, former wrestling world champion, offers his awards collection to an opera recalling his way to wide world, beautiful women and fame. Beginning as a small town circus performer, with his elegance and art awareness he quickly climbs onto wrestling tops. Goralewicz represents a man of intellectual and physical power.

I was impressed by Krzysztof Majchrzak's (Goralewicz) acting, real and powerful. Surely this actor is underestimated regarding acting offers. Another stunning performance was the one of Roman Wilhelmi (Bolcio), what an excellent actor! Artwork of the highest quality. Characters vividly played by Bogusz Bilewski (Cyklop) or Wojciech Pszoniak (Siedelmayer) and others who i didn't mention complete the movie.

"Aria dla atlety" is a must see for real cinema lovers interested in the core of cinema, not only SFX.

Mariusz