The Scar (1976)

1970. After discussions and dishonest negotiations, a decision is taken as to where a large new chemical factory is to be built and Bednarz, an honest Party man, is put in charge of the ... See full summary »

Director:

Krzysztof Kieslowski

Writers:

Krzysztof Kieslowski (scenario), Romuald Karas (novel)

Stars:

Franciszek Pieczka, Mariusz Dmochowski, Jerzy Stuhr

2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Franciszek Pieczka	...	Stefan Bednarz
Mariusz Dmochowski	...	Vorsitzender
Jerzy Stuhr	...	Bednarz's assistant
Jan Skotnicki
Stanislaw Igar	...	Minister
Stanislaw Michalski
Michal Tarkowski	...	TV editor
Andrzej Skupien
Halina Winiarska	...	Bednarz's Wife
Joanna Orzeszkowska	...	Eva - Bednarz's Daughter
Jadwiga Bryniarska	...	(as J. Bryniarska)
Agnieszka Holland	...	Secretary (as A. Holland)
Malgorzata Lesniewska	...	(as M. Lesniewska)
Asja Lamtiugina	...	(as A. Lamtiugina)
Ryszard Bacciarelli	...	(as R. Bacciarelli)

Storyline

1970. After discussions and dishonest negotiations, a decision is taken as to where a large new chemical factory is to be built and Bednarz, an honest Party man, is put in charge of the construction. He used to live in the small town where the factory is to be built, his wife used to be a Party activist there, and he has unpleasant memories of it. But he sets to the task in the belief that he will build a place where people will live and work well. His intentions and convictions, however, conflict with those of the townspeople who are primarily concerned with their short-term needs. Disillusioned, Bednarz gives up his post.

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Plot Keywords:

poland | 1970s | communist poland | chemical plant | satire | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

Poland

Language:

Polish

Release Date:

18 August 1978 (East Germany)

Also Known As:

The Scar

Filming Locations:

Olechów, Lódz, Lódzkie, Poland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Film Polski,P.P. Film Polski

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Edited into Klaps (1976)

User Reviews

The feature film debut of Krzysztof Kieslowski

Kieslowski did go on to better things later, especially in his later and more internationally renowned period starting with 'Dekalog' all the way through to 'Three Colours: Red'. 'The Scar' however is a highly impressive feature film debut.

Like as was said for 'The Calm' (a relatively obscure work and undeservedly so), 'The Scar' doesn't have an awful lot wrong with it, it's the sort of film that does almost everything correctly and with very good skill but it's also a case of Kieslowski's style and all his components (while present and correct here) became more refined later on. 'The Calm' does lack the intensity and emotional resonance of his later work, especially with the best 'Dekalog' stories, 'The Double Life of Veronique' and 'Three Colors: Red' and 'Blue'.

Maybe it does get a touch heavy-handed in places too (then again that was not unexpected with themes as heavy and controversial as hypocrisy, compromise and contradiction) and occasionally a touch jumpy.

Again, however, as was said for 'The Calm', these nit-picks are not massive and much of 'The Scar' works very well. It is a good-looking film, as well as being beautifully shot with atmospheric use of colour to match the mood, it is gritty yet beautiful with many thoughtful and emotionally powerful images lingering long into the memory. Kieslowski's direction is quietly unobtrusive, intelligently paced and never too heavy. Very intriguing use of sound and silence, music is sparsely used but effectively intricate.

It's a thought-provoking film too, rarely rambling and makes what it has to say stick. Much of the story is sensitively told and poignant (if not as much as Kieslowski's later work), hardly cold. While deliberately paced it intrigues, engaging a good deal while also suitably challenging the viewer in spots. The themes are explored well, though there are thematically richer films from Kieslowski, and the characters (portrayed fairly bleakly but realistically) carry the story well. As ever, the complexity and nuances of the acting is to be admired.

Overall, interesting and very good early Kieslowski, though he did go on to better things later. 8/10 Bethany Cox