Bold and Brilliant

I first saw "Przesluchanie" ("Interrogation") in the late 'eighties on Channel 4. It is an incomparable, original work of brilliance which has since been mimicked (Kieslowski's "Decalogue" and "Schindler's List" among others) but never bettered. This is REAL filmmaking. See it, if and when you can. It's a riveting, visceral film that pulls you into its story from the moment it starts and it never lets you go.

Krystyna Janda's acting is one of the best screen performances I've ever had the pleasure of watching. She is TOTAL in her focus and commitment. When she's frightened - I felt frightened, when she was happy - I felt happy. Her command over that performance of Antonina Dziwisz is truly exemplary. This is brutal, hardcore, East-European realism at it's unnerving best. A full spectrum of emotions is on display from Krystyna Janda and she delivers to maximum effect. The switch between casual, carefree Tonia the cabaret singer to terrified prisoner is simply incredible to watch.

Przesluchanie is a bold, brilliant film that delves deep inside the human condition and explores themes of duty, loyalty, conformity, love, trust, friendship, betrayal, cruelty, desire, truth and justice. I can still hear Antonina's whimpering, frightened voice in my head - 25 years after watching it - the way she pleads with the guards and asks in confused desperation the reasons behind her detention. This is a film that will never stop resonating. Anyone who cares about cinema, acting or theatre needs to watch this searing, compelling work of genius filmmaking.