Login
Of the work of Krzysztof Kieslowski seen thus far ("The Three Colours Trilogy", 'The Double Life of Veronique' and 'Dekalog'), it's 'Three Colours: Red' and 'Dekalog' that stand out as particularly masterful, though there is not a dud in the lot.
'Dekalog' is simply put a towering achievement, one of the greatest mini-series ever made and a televisual masterpiece in its own right. There are not many mini-series around with a concept of this level of ambition, and 'Dekalog' executes its ambitious concept brilliantly. While some of the stories are better than others (Episodes 3 and 8 being two of the weaker ones), the weaker stories still have so many great merits that they are a long way from bad, which is testament to the brilliance of the best stories and how high-quality 'Dekalog' as an overall whole is.
Kieslowski's work is all visually stunning. Despite being a mini-series, the production values, with scenery that is both unflattering and affectionate, and atmospheric (sometimes innovative) photography are so good that mistaking 'Dekalog' as a piece of cinema is understandable, especially when there is elegiac but elegant pacing and often cinematic flow to the storytelling. Actually had to frequently check as to whether it was a mini-series and not a huge epic film that it honestly felt more like. Episodes 1 and 6 were especially impressive.
Another striking element of Kieslowski's work is the way music is composed and utilised. This is especially true in 'Three Colours: Blue' and 'The Double Life of Veronique', where it is very intricate, symbolic and like its own character. This intricate and symbolic approach to how music is written and utilised is evident in 'Dekalog' too, Episode 2 has music that is particularly mood-enhancing.
There is some truly thought-provoking and poetic writing in 'Dekalog', even though dialogue generally is minimal. There are a wide range of emotions, rich and complex themes (murder and punishment, faithfulness, idolisation, jealousy, love and passion, truth, good and evil, sex and greed), human issues and moralistic ideals used to full potential. There is also a little room for humour, not just in the more screwball comedy feel of Episode 10 Episodes 1 and 5 also have the odd darkly funny moment.
In all ten episodes, the stories are all absorbing in their own ways, with different moods (such as creepy for Episode 5, poignant for Episode 2, comedic for Episode 10, sombre for Episode 4 and spiritually resonant for Episode 8 for examples) and themes. Was really impressed at how stories were built around each of the ten commandments (although the only resemblance to them really is the episode titles, despite how it may sound upon hearing this is not to be dismissed as "religious propaganda" or anything like that), and done in a way that's somewhat deliberate in pace but gripping in atmosphere. While 'Dekalog' in no way rushes the storytelling, the power, intensity and poignancy of the stories told so intelligently makes it seldom dull.
Characters are compelling in their realism and their conflicts/situations, they are remarkably well drawn and interesting for just ten episodes at only one hour each. Kieslowski's direction is superb, showing a truly gifted director who died too soon with more to give. One couldn't have asked for more ideal performances as well, some of them are remarkably complex and understated while always natural and genuine.
Overall, a masterful towering achievement, in how much it does with its concept and for the viewer for getting so much out of a mini-series unlike any made before, during and since. 10/10 Bethany Cox
10/10
