The Three Colours trilogy is back at Broadway Cinema. We take a look at White, perhaps the least beloved (but still dearly beloved) of the trio...
Director: Krzysztof Kieslowski
Starring: Zbigniew Zamachowski, Julie Delpy, Janusz Gajos
Running time: 92 minutes
Fade in. Zbigniew Zamachowski’s Karol Karol is heading to a Parisien court for a summons, after his newlywed partner, Dominique (Julie Delpy), calls for an annulment - citing that their marriage has yet to be consummated. Both broken-hearted and straight-up broke, Karol heads back to his homeland of Poland (via his suitcase, in a truly inspired sequence), aiming to recoup his funds and his pride, and, most importantly, enact revenge on the woman he still loves.
What follows in Three Colours: White is ninety minutes of outright entertainment, a unique story filled with sharp comedy, daring dialogue, and memorable moments. It is, in many ways, a character study, an exploration of how one man bounces back from hitting rock bottom - and how easy it is to make some questionable decisions along the way. It’s expertly crafted, and is thoroughly enjoyable from start-to-finish.
White’s undeniable success is largely down to the impressive performances from its talented cast - not least Zamachowski, who features in practically every frame. The prolific Polish star feels real and believable, always keeping the audience on his side - even when he drifts towards the darkness. His comedic timing is impeccable, and his ability to demonstrate even the most minute of emotions with just the glint of an eye is second-to-none.
Three Colours: White is one of few films to perfect the near-impossible - creating a genuinely gripping, unpredictable story that is underpinned with emotion, drama, and a surprising amount of comedy
Yet for all Zamachowski’s scene-stealing charm, he is joined by impeccable performances from top to bottom. Delpy is, perhaps unsurprisingly, remarkably effective, underpinning her character with a delightful sense of mischief and malevolence. Dominique has the ability to tear others apart with one short line, one brutal put-down, and Delpy delivers each of these with aplomb. And Janusz Gajos pushes Zamachowski for the title of MVP, his borderline entrancing display winning over audiences from the very first scene.
While those on-screen shine, though, Krzysztof Kieslowski deserves plenty of plaudits himself. While White may be the least beloved of the Three Colours trilogy (which, in fairness, is hardly a shameful feat), it strikes that forever-difficult-to-execute tonal balance between humour and drama, whimsy and tension. The script, co-written by the director and Krzysztof Piesiewicz, is broadly flawless, feeling fresh even three decades on. And Kieslowski combines with director of photography Edward Klosinski to ensure each shot is exquisitely captured - somehow embellishing tube stations and run-down warehouses with grace and beauty.
In many ways, Three Colours: White is one of few films to perfect the near-impossible - creating a genuinely gripping, unpredictable story that is underpinned with emotion, drama, and a surprising amount of comedy. If you’re after any of the above, this is well worth checking out - and if you want all three, it’s a must-see.
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