Essay question:
4. With reference to key films and figures discuss how one of the following themes have been addressed in European Cinema: war and politics.
Representation of polish martial law in Man of Iron (1981) and Walesa. Man of hope (2013) by Andrzej Wajda
The main aim of this essay is to analyse post-war reality in Poland by using two films directed by world acclaimed polish artist Andrzej Wajda. Due to the technical limitations I had to pick one event or period of time to look at, therefore I will be focusing on 1980s. In those 10 years Poland was able to overturn the rule of the Soviet Big Brother and introduce democracy in the country, not thanks to the help coming from outside, but thanks to our inner stubbornness and strength. …show more content…
It was released in July 1981 so it does not depict the actual situation of the martial law period, but is a very important and informative study on what has led, what where the reasons for the December of 1981 to happen. This film can be seen as a continuation of Man of Marble (1976), because where the latter ends, the Man of Iron picks up and begins. Many scenes that had been cut from Man of Marble were used in the latter picture, like newsreels of protests from 1968 and 1970, which were a peaceful demonstrations but turned out to be a brutal demonstration of abuse of power by official regime. Despite the urge from the government to stop this film from being made, or at least officially released, it was too late as the picture was greatly awaited outside of Poland and authorities could not do anything, but only to give Wajda his way and allow him to do what he wanted. Although Wajda felt that the version he submitted for Cannes Film Festival is not yet finished, the production was welcomed with great recognition. Man of Iron was awarded the Golden Palm and Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, as well as was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Nevertheless, even among Polish critics the opinions on the greatness of this film are divided. Some say that the ability to capture the …show more content…
But after bloody and frightening demonstrations, he decides to focus on his everyday life without getting involved in politics. He is able to be stable in his decision only around ten years. Suddenly, new events occur and he is chosen to be the leader of the dock lockers movement. Wajda is depicting Walesa as a humble but stubborn man, on the one hand pleased to be chosen for this position, but at the same time not boasting around with it. the film opens with arrival of Oriana Fallaci, who was a very influential Italian reporter at that time. She comes to the Walesa's house, which is cramped but filled with kids. They sit in the living room and start to talk with the help of translator. Of course, the whole visitation is known to the Secret Police as they immediately follow the reporter, attempting to tap
4. With reference to key films and figures discuss how one of the following themes have been addressed in European Cinema: war and politics.
Representation of polish martial law in Man of Iron (1981) and Walesa. Man of hope (2013) by Andrzej Wajda
The main aim of this essay is to analyse post-war reality in Poland by using two films directed by world acclaimed polish artist Andrzej Wajda. Due to the technical limitations I had to pick one event or period of time to look at, therefore I will be focusing on 1980s. In those 10 years Poland was able to overturn the rule of the Soviet Big Brother and introduce democracy in the country, not thanks to the help coming from outside, but thanks to our inner stubbornness and strength. …show more content…
It was released in July 1981 so it does not depict the actual situation of the martial law period, but is a very important and informative study on what has led, what where the reasons for the December of 1981 to happen. This film can be seen as a continuation of Man of Marble (1976), because where the latter ends, the Man of Iron picks up and begins. Many scenes that had been cut from Man of Marble were used in the latter picture, like newsreels of protests from 1968 and 1970, which were a peaceful demonstrations but turned out to be a brutal demonstration of abuse of power by official regime. Despite the urge from the government to stop this film from being made, or at least officially released, it was too late as the picture was greatly awaited outside of Poland and authorities could not do anything, but only to give Wajda his way and allow him to do what he wanted. Although Wajda felt that the version he submitted for Cannes Film Festival is not yet finished, the production was welcomed with great recognition. Man of Iron was awarded the Golden Palm and Prize of the Ecumenical Jury, as well as was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Nevertheless, even among Polish critics the opinions on the greatness of this film are divided. Some say that the ability to capture the …show more content…
But after bloody and frightening demonstrations, he decides to focus on his everyday life without getting involved in politics. He is able to be stable in his decision only around ten years. Suddenly, new events occur and he is chosen to be the leader of the dock lockers movement. Wajda is depicting Walesa as a humble but stubborn man, on the one hand pleased to be chosen for this position, but at the same time not boasting around with it. the film opens with arrival of Oriana Fallaci, who was a very influential Italian reporter at that time. She comes to the Walesa's house, which is cramped but filled with kids. They sit in the living room and start to talk with the help of translator. Of course, the whole visitation is known to the Secret Police as they immediately follow the reporter, attempting to tap