[Aesops_Fable]

Decalogue (Krzysztof Kieslowski – 1988)


In a time Poland was run down by martial law, Krzysztof Kieslowski ran into co-scriptwriter Krzysztof Piesiewicz who suggested that Kieslowski should make a movie about the Ten Commandments. At first he thought it was a terrible idea, but after awhile he began to notice that the people he passed in every day life no longer cared about who they were or why they were living and he realized that it Piesiewicz was right and Kieslowski thought "that if we wrote ten screenplays and presented them as a Decalogue, ten young directors would be able to make their first film. For a while, this idea motivated Piesiewicz and my writing. It was only much later, when the first versions of the screenplays were ready, that I realized rather selfishly that I didn't want to hand them over to anybody else. I had grown to like some of them and would have been sorry to let them go. I wanted to direct the films and it became obvious that I would do all ten."

In a sense to make the stories universal and partly due to a lack of interest in politics, Kieslowski wanted the Decalogue to define where we are and what we're allowed or aren't allowed to do. As he put so clearly in a hilarious interview session on the Facets DVD, they're not meant to question the meaning of life, have one specific meaning, or even answer or argue for any humanistic questions; it is simply "an attempt to narrate ten stories about ten or twenty individuals, who suddenly realize that they're going round in circle, that they;re not achieving what they want. We've become too egotistic, too much in love with ourselves and our needs, and it's as if everybody else has disappeared into the background."

Loosely basing the stories on the Ten Commandments, the viewer's personal interpretations of what happens in the film is all that matters to Kieslowski. To him film has no importance in life and he doesn't intend for them to change anyone's life. Meaning is to to be found within each person who watches it and with 10 seperate films that span the spectrum of human emotion and relation it is hard to find a connection with at least one of the films.

Creating ten 1 hour films is task in itself, but to do with continual skill throughout and someone how tie each one together no matter how abstract the connection is a incredible accomplishment in my eyes. Each film is ambiguous as to which commandment they are associated with despite the titles and movie doesn't end when the credits roll, rather they leave you with several questions unanswered for each person to interpret in a new way. New things resurface on repeat viewings and several characters reappear throughout, even the story from Decalogue 2is used as an example and discussed in an ethical class in Decalogue 8.

The new DVDs are somewhat pathetic in terms of video and audio transfer but the special features on the final disc are priceless - especially the interview session between Kieslowski and Polish reporters, which so perfectly captures his personality and thoughts.


I loved 5 of the films, really liked 4 others, and I unfortunately didn't think much of the "talky" Decalogue 8. In order:

****
1. Decalogue 1
2. Decalogue 7
3. Decalogue 9
4. Decalogue 6
5. Decalogue 4


***1/2
6. Decalogue 10
7. Decalogue 5
8. Decalogue 3


***
9. Decalogue 2

**1/2
10. Decalogue 8


I will post my individual thoughts for each film later. Hopefully those who claim it is one of their favorites (Tbickle and Nostalghic) will do the same.


A few discussion starters:
[list=1][*] Which are your favorite and why?[*] How do you think the commandments play a role in each film (commandments listed below) and do you even think they matter?[*] Do you think the 1 hour hindered the final result or made it better?[*] Did you like Kieslowski’s use of a different director of photography in each film? Which was your favorite?[*] Why were Parts 1 and 7 so damn awesome?[/list=1]




Decalogue 1 (I Am the Lord Thy God)



Decalogue 2 (Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of Thy Lord God in Vain)



Decalogue 3 (Honor the Sabbath Day)



Decalogue 4 (Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother)



Decalogue 5 (Thou Shalt Not Kill)



Decalogue 6 (Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery)



Decalogue 7 (Thou Shalt Not Steal)



Decalogue 8 (Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness)



Decalogue 9 (Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Wife)
Decalogue 9 Image


Decalogue 10 (Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor's Goods)

[Nostalghic]

Excellent movie choice for discussion!

I still love The Decalogue though it's been a while since I've seen it. There's not a single chapter in it that I don't like, though a couple could have been better.

I think The Decalogue works best when the separate chapters are viewed in relation to each other, and as a whole, it truly becomes a daunting, immense, and a spiritual work of art.
Nevertheless, there were some chapters that work perfectly well on their own, and in merely an hour, manage to create a cinematic world that lacks in most full-length films. My favourite chapters are Decalogues 5, 1, 2, 6, 10, and 3, followed by 8, 4, 9 and 7 (in that order). I found 7 to be the weakest of the 10 parts because it lacked the subtle ironic punch that is present in the others and is not as complete as the others (a personal reaction - others will definitely differ). Decalogue 5, in its one-hour running time had a huge impact on me - I was so shocked, awed, repulsed, moved, and challenged by it that it's hard to put into words. And this from someone who had seen the feature-length A Short Film About Killing before seeing Decalogue 5.

Here's what I wrote on The Decalogue not too long ago:

Kieslowski presents yet another issue for discussion: Is the execution of the death sentence not murder in itself? Kieslowski seems to be suggesting that it is since he spends a lot of time showing us how the execution is prepared for and how it is carried out, and it is at the very least, as harrowing as the earlier murder. The unflinching final sequences have obviously been a huge influence on later films dealing with similar subjects like Dead Man Walking and Dancer in the Dark. What sets 5 above these films is the surprisingly strong undercurrent of non-manipulative emotions that run through it. Before his execution, Jacek narrates to Piotr how his little sister was accidentally killed a few years earlier by a drunk driver. Is that why he kills a taxi driver? Or is it because of his isolation and his general antisocialism (as we see earlier in the film)? I haven’t even discussed the unique way in which 5 has been shot by master cinematographer, Slavomir Idziak (who later goes on to lens Double Life of Veronique and Blue) using dark green filters that create a whole new dark world and further externalise the alienation of Jacek, or how Kieslowski subtly comments on the general unfriendliness and violence that runs in Warsaw (an old woman almost attacks Jacek!). Glass and reflection is present everywhere (common elements in Kieslowski’s films) and here “this horrible story reflects the world. And for the reflection to be true, it has to be disgusting”, as Kieslowski once stated in an interview.

Will definitely post more thoughts later.

[acquarello]

Like Nostalghic, I saw the 'short' films (A Short Film About Love and A Short Film About Killing before I saw Decalogue; the two were shown as part of a Kieslowski retrospective prior to the premiere of Three Colors: Red in 1994. Anyway, that retrospective was what drew me to Kieslowski's work so, because of that personal association, the two corresponding Decalogue films (Decalogue VI and Decalogue V) are the most significant for me.

By the way, along a similar vein of the inabsoluteness of 'sin' is Krzysztof Zanussi's Weekend Stories which, although not as stylistically accomplished as Decalogue, contain some equally provocative examinations of faith and humanity.

[RaidersOfTheFoundArk]

I just now (within the last two weeks) finally have finished all the volumes to this amazing piece of work. Amazing that two months ago I had never seen any of Kieslowski's work, now I have seen the Three Colors Trilogy and the entire The Dekalog. What I find so amazing about the series is the raw emotional punch that Kieslowski packs into an hour for each volume. They all have a message that isn't so clear, but upon inspection hits you right at home. While watching them, I forgot they were based on the Ten Commandments because they stand true as important films for society, not just as representations of the historical doctrine. Dekalog 10 is probably my favorite of the bunch, a comedy of sorts that finishes off the series beautifully.

I'm afraid I have no better insight to provide at this time, I'm rather sick right now. I will probably post again later.

[Aesops_Fable]

I also saw the two short films before Decalogues 5&6 and I was actually somewhat weary going into them. I loved A Short Film About Love and I was worried that everything I liked would somehow be changed and it almost felt like was being unfaithful to the full feature ( ). I wasn't as fond of A Short Film About Killing and I was a little hesistant before going straight into such a dreary film.

It turned out that I loved part 6 just the same and both films succeeded magnificiently. Part 5 was far greater than its feature though since I much prefer the way it is put together along with the fact that the laywer's personal story is left out - it had added less weight to his relationship with Jacek in A Short Film. Part 5 is incredible but I can't quite work up enough excitement over such a drab film - maybe that's the point. Quick question: is it just the print (the DVDs are that bad) or is Part 5 meant to look so washed out?

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by RaidersOfTheFoundArk
I'm afraid I have no better insight to provide at this time, I'm rather sick right now. I will probably post again later.

Get well and do so!

What did you think of The Three Colors?

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by Nostalghic
I found 7 to be the weakest of the 10 parts because it lacked the subtle ironic punch that is present in the others and is not as complete as the others (a personal reaction - others will definitely differ).

Interesting how the one I like the most makes the bottom of your list, here is what I wrote:

The story and ideas of Part 7 are unique and perplexing. A woman steals her own daughter who was stolen from her mother by her mother. The basic question is whether we can steal what is already ours, but it goes further and asks what is ours and how can our selfish actions effect others. The story plays out to amazing camera work, direction, and acting. The camera hovers around as if searching for its characters and Kieslowski and the actors fill the screen with emotion. Throughout the film I wondered who I cared for the most - who did I want to be with who? Should the young girl's original mother have her daughter or is it inccorect for her to confuse the girl. I was never certain who I wanted to have the girl. By the final shot though I suddenly realized that the only one stolen from, the only one lost, confused and helpless was the little girl - the only innocent person in the film. The now apparent selfish motives of the mother and grandmother added up to nothing. The trule loss falls on the girl's shoulders and her life would forever be effected by the actions of her parents.

I think the question arises whether the film is incomplete due to the one-hour form perhaps. Part 7 isn't as fleshed out as the others but I believe that is the film's strength. It doesn't force us to think one way or the other. It presents true to life instances that can be interpreted in many different ways given the viewer. Though I may wonder what happens next, I fully appreciate all that happens in Part 7 and my realization at the end is to me the most important part. I thought it was sad but beautifully made movie.

[acquarello]

Originally posted by Aesops_Fable
Quick question: is it just the print (the DVDs are that bad) or is Part 5 meant to look so washed out?

Yes, the film was definitely shot as high contrast and used sepia in order to obtain an even more monochromatic appearance. The resulting image 'polarization' actually suits the film's fundamental question on society's moral abiguity on the issue of killing.

Spoilers ahead...

In other words, why do we, as a society (generally) deem one type of 'killing' (or murder) universally a sin while another - a state-sponsored one (capital punishment) - acceptable. In that sense, the high contrast image of the film actually serves as an objective 'truth' because it depicts both types of 'killings' through the same distilled, austere lensing. It doesn't vilify one kind of killing and laud (or justify) the other; both are shown with agonizing, uncomfortable violence.

[RaidersOfTheFoundArk]

Originally posted by acquarello
In other words, why do we, as a society (generally) deem one type of 'killing' (or murder) universally a sin while another - a state-sponsored one (capital punishment) - acceptable. In that sense, the high contrast image of the film actually serves as an objective 'truth' because it depicts both types of 'killings' through the same distilled, austere lensing. It doesn't vilify one kind of killing and laud (or justify) the other; both are shown with agonizing, uncomfortable violence.

If this is indeed Kieslowski's message, and I find no fault in your reasoning, I find it odd considering the series' inspiration that more people have been killed in the name of God than for any other reason. Do we, then, deem them equally with other killings? And if so, what does that say about Christians and the Ten Commandments? That they are only good to follow when it suits us? Hmmm... interesting thought there.

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by RaidersOfTheFoundArk
I find it odd considering the series' inspiration that more people have been killed in the name of God than for any other reason...etc...

I'm not quite sure I follow your train of thought.

Either way, Kieslowski wasn't a hardcore Christian (if he was Christian at all) and he's simply saying that killing is killing.

[Nostalghic]

Originally posted by Aesops_Fable

Either way, Kieslowski wasn't a hardcore Christian (if he was Christian at all) and he's simply saying that killing is killing.

Kieslowski definitely was not a Christian, though he seemed to be fascinated by it. He had mentioned in several interviews that he had a "personal god".

[RaidersOfTheFoundArk]

Originally posted by Aesops_Fable
I'm not quite sure I follow your train of thought.

Either way, Kieslowski wasn't a hardcore Christian (if he was Christian at all) and he's simply saying that killing is killing.

The series is based upon the Ten Commandments, the granddaddy of rules for Christianity, and acquarello stated that Volume 5 was asking the question why as a society do we say some killing is reprehensible, while some is acceptable. I was stating that people throughout history and even in The Bible have been killed in the name of God more than for almost any other reason, so, do we also as a society find that killing acceptable? If we follow the Ten Commandments, then no, we shouldn't, but it is my experience that people overlook that killing and deem it "necessary". I find that odd. That's what I was saying.

[Othello]

I picked up Parts I-IV today at the library.

Just wanted to let you all know.

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by Othello
I picked up Parts I-IV today at the library.

Just wanted to let you all know.

So long as you watch every one by tomorrow and provide comments in detail and length within 48 hours

[Nostalghic]

Originally posted by RaidersOfTheFoundArk
The series is based upon the Ten Commandments, the granddaddy of rules for Christianity, and acquarello stated that Volume 5 was asking the question why as a society do we say some killing is reprehensible, while some is acceptable. I was stating that people throughout history and even in The Bible have been killed in the name of God more than for almost any other reason, so, do we also as a society find that killing acceptable? If we follow the Ten Commandments, then no, we shouldn't, but it is my experience that people overlook that killing and deem it "necessary". I find that odd. That's what I was saying.

Fascinating observation. If I understand you correctly, basically you are asking if one can be forgiven by God for killing in his name? I don't think I have the 'answer' (for that matter, I doubt if even Kieslowski had the answer ), but it's an interesting thought nevertheless.

(We need some expert opinion on this - paging D.O.C. )

[Nostalghic]

I'd like to recommend Annette Insdorf's Double Lives, Second Chances to anyone interested in the cinema of Kieslowski. Very informative with some interesting theories on his style and complete body of work.

[Jaab_Tark]

I suppose it's time to take my set of Dekalog VHS's off the shelf and give them another run through. I will admit that I prefer this series with its TV format to the glossy and over-produced Three Colors Trilogy, perhaps because Kieslofski isn't so bent on establishing a visual syntax of sex, symbolism, and refined mood. Using different styles and cinematographers gives the series some much needed variety and helps keep the emphesis on the screenplay and direction of Kieslofski.

I don't think of this as highly spiritual cinema, and I don't see the ten commandments as forceful subtextual instruments in any of the features. A humanist film of this calibre could not contain the old and rigid stone tablets of the commandments, but rather seeks to draw them into the viewer's consciousness so that we are equally judgemental of both characters and commandments. Perhaps Kieslofski wants us to see both how we fail to adhere to the commandments and how the commandments fail to adhere to us.

I agree with most folks that Dekalog 1 is the best, a moody and terrifying rendition of the old Daedalus and Icarus myth, filmed in a gothic blue and grey with sad, eerie music and a powerful symbolism in the imagery of windows, TV screens, PC monitors, and the icy pond. Dekalog 5 I found a bit less engaging than most folks, perhaps because the subject is so tired and hopeless. Dekalog 3, 4, and 6 are other favorites from the series. Each is capable of inspiring wonderful, intelligent discussions about morality, family, and love that take the viewer beyond the ten commandments and into the realm of understanding and compassion.

More later perhaps...


The Classicist Club endorses The Dekalog as the greatest 10 hour film of all time.

[glen_esq]

1, 6 and 7 are my favourite episodes. The score from episode 1 is very haunting. My goodness this episode sure tugs at the heart strings. Very nice photography in the church ruins at night lit with the candles.

7 is quite chilling. Does a wonderful job of letting us feel the frustration and helplessness of the daughter.


Do I dare criticize the Decalog?

I'm not sure Kieslowski's and Piesiewicz's strong suit is comedy, the only comedic relief I remember in the Decalog is episode 10, which I liked.

10 hours of viewing, set in a drab urban landscape, I would have liked to have seen a bit more humour throughout this.


Forgive me if someone else has asked this question in an earlier post... who does everyone think The Watcher is, or represents?

[Nostalghic]

Originally posted by glen_esq
who does everyone think The Watcher is, or represents?

While many think he represents God or an angelic figure (or even Jesus), I think he's meant to represent us, the viewer, which makes the whole thing quite cinematic. Voyeurism is a theme explored extensively in parts 6 and 9, and I think that The Watcher is an extension of those two parts and represents voyeurism on our behalf.

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by glen_esq
Forgive me if someone else has asked this question in an earlier post... who does everyone think The Watcher is, or represents?

Like most people it seems, I sort of want to say God. I'd like to pay a little more attention to his presence though on repeated viewings. I had thought that he always appeared just before characters have to make important decisions or when they make choices that seem to relate to the commandment the particular film is based on.

Someone help me make a mini-list of when he appears:

Part 1 - he is there in the beginning at the fire, then again at the fire when the father goes to test the ice and decide whether his son should be on it, and again at the end. He always has a sad face too which always make me think he's God since he seems too be mourning the decisions of all the people.

Part 2 - When the sick man is shown in his bed

Part 4 - When the girl is deciding whether she open the letter (awesome scene btw) and he walks by with the canoe.

Part 5 - He's holding a sign as the taxi drives off just before Jacek kills the driver and again at the end when the lawyer is walking down the stairs to go me Jacek before the execution.

Part 6 - When the woman agrees to meeting the boy and he runs around in circles with milk cart (another awesome scene) and almost runs into the man carrying a briefcase and again when the woman is looking out of the window when the ambulence is getting the boy, we can see the same man with the briefcase from afar.

Part 7 - I'm pretty sure he was in here...

Part 8 - While the woman is telling her story in class the camera pans left to find him in the crowd and then goes back to the story-teller.

Part 9 - I'm pretty sure he was here too...

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by Posting Emailer
Not having seen these, is it suitable to consider the Dekalog to be one film or ten films? I ask because I see some people reviewing each episode individually, while others rate it as a whole.

What do you say?

Both. Same thing for Three Colors Trilogy. Discuss them individually because each one has a seperate plot and is completely different, therefore I have some personal favorites. But if you consider their relationship, common theme, and constantly reappearing characters, they all come together and form a better whole than parts.

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by Jaab_Tark
The Classicist Club endorses The Dekalog as the greatest 10 hour film of all time.

Don't forget The Human Condition!

[glen_esq]

Originally posted by Nostalghic
While many think he represents God or an angelic figure (or even Jesus), I think he's meant to represent us, the viewer, which makes the whole thing quite cinematic. Voyeurism is a theme explored extensively in parts 6 and 9, and I think that The Watcher is an extension of those two parts and represents voyeurism on our behalf.

That's an interesting take.

I'm of the opinion he's the presence of God in some form, an angel if you will. I think rather than voyeurism, I think Kieslowski uses him to add a divine presence to the Decalog. His tears at various tragic events to my mind are more intense reaction than that of a voyeur.

In any event, it's a clever element to wind through the episodes. Also a nice touch that residents of the apartment complex star in one episode, then appear briefly again in a subsequent one.


Aesops_Fable - I thought I read somewhere The Watcher is supposed to be in 9 episodes. I thought I counted him in 8 of them, can't remember which 8 though.

[acquarello]

Originally posted by glen_esq
I'm of the opinion he's the presence of God in some form, an angel if you will. I think rather than voyeurism, I think Kieslowski uses him to add a divine presence to the Decalog. His tears at various tragic events to my mind are more intense reaction than that of a voyeur.

That's Annette Insdorf's take on him as well.

I tend to agree with the viewer-as-voyeur sentiment, especially since Kieslowski has similarly explored the issue before in Camera Buff, and he found himself a bit complicitious in the ability of people to manipulate the meaning of images, especially in communist-era Poland. My friend Doug wrote a bit about this dilemma in Kieslowski's transition from documentary to fiction work in the critical biography of Kieslowski in Senses of Cinema.

[Nostalghic]

Originally posted by acquarello
My friend Doug wrote a bit about this dilemma in Kieslowski's transition from documentary to fiction work in the critical biography of Kieslowski in Senses of Cinema.

I would love to get my hands on Kieslowski's earlier work, particularly Blind Chance and No End. Alas, they are nowhere to be found round these parts.

[RaidersOfTheFoundArk]

Originally posted by Nostalghic
I would love to get my hands on Kieslowski's earlier work, particularly Blind Chance and No End. Alas, they are nowhere to be found round these parts.

Buy it off amazon.com as I did. It will probably have to be a used item, but its worth it.

[Jaab_Tark]

Originally posted by Aesops_Fable
Don't forget The Human Condition!

\

I found the Human Condition to be unspectacular and a bit overdrawn, thought certainly not in scope or narrative power. It's fine filmmaking, but not very inventive or artistic.

[Aesops_Fable]

What was the deal with the guy who suddenly walked in on the lecture and triggered the one man to say "Go out" in Part 8?

As a whole 8 wasn't bad, but I found this to be incredibly odd and silly.

[hitchcock_is_a_genius305]

Well, right now, it is safe to say that The Decalogue (or Dekalog as I like to refer to it) is the film I want to see the most right now, besides others like The Bicycle Thief, Nostalghia, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, and assorted others. But I haven't got the money. So I guess I'll have to wait some time to see it (unless of-course one of you faithful fellows wouldn't mind making a copy)...of course that is unlikely.

I just read the Ebert review on the film. It seems fascinating.

[Aesops_Fable]

Originally posted by hitchcock_is_a_genius305
Well, right now, it is safe to say that The Decalogue (or Dekalog as I like to refer to it) is the film I want to see the most right now, besides others like The Bicycle Thief, Nostalghia, Aguirre, the Wrath of God, and assorted others. But I haven't got the money. So I guess I'll have to wait some time to see it (unless of-course one of you faithful fellows wouldn't mind making a copy)...of course that is unlikely.

I just read the Ebert review on the film. It seems fascinating.

If you subscribe to netflix or greencine they carry it and I'm sure will gladly send you a copy