Wojaczek

There could hardly be a better representative of a rebellious youth than Rafał Wojaczek. His work remains relevant to this day, and the lore of the “cursed poet” definitely helps. Lech Majewski dissects the latter in this gloomy, black-and-white film. It is more of a biographical impression than a fleshed-out biopic – instead of sticking to the facts, Majewski goes for a dreamy impression. We accompany Wojaczek in the final moments of his life. Played by poet Krzysztof Siwczyk, the title character wanders aimlessly, makes fleeting acquaintances, drinks, and gets into fights. Even though, there are a few amusing glimpses of everyday life in communist Poland, they are usually underpinned by a pessimistic note. The ensuing passages add up to a nihilistic account of the implosion of ideals – with the looming spectre of death (the poet died when he was barely 25). Wojaczek is a vision of self-annihilation that is as sad as it is artistically impressive.

Igor Kierkosz

Lech Majewski (b. 1953) is a film and drama director, screenwriter, poet, and painter. His film debut took place in 1978 when, together with Krzysztof Sowiński, he produced the episodic film Harbinger of Silence. In 1981 he took advantage of an invitation to the Film Festival in Cambridge, and stayed in Great Britain. Later he moved to the United States. His films include The Garden of Earthly Delights (2004) and The Mill and the Cross (2011).