Watch Afterimage
- 2017
- 1 hr 38 min
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7.0 (3,359)
Afterimage is a 2016 Polish film directed by the renowned director, Andrzej Wajda. The movie is a biopic of WÅadysÅaw StrzemiÅski, a renowned Polish painter and art theorist of the post-World War II era. The movie opens with StrzemiÅski as a respected professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Åódź. However, his uncompromising attitude towards art and his opposition to the Communist government's interference in artistic expression puts him at odds with the authorities. The government officials demand StrzemiÅski to follow the Socialist Realism style of art, but he refuses to do so, leading to the loss of his job at the academy.
StrzemiÅski's life then takes a downwards trajectory due to his worsening health and financial struggles. His wife dies, leaving him to care for his young daughter Nika, whom he adores. StrzemiÅski's health condition makes it difficult for him to earn a living, and he struggles to make ends meet.
The film portrays StrzemiÅski's life in a non-linear narrative that juxtaposes his artistic achievements against his personal struggles. It provides a glimpse into his artistic philosophy, mainly his concept of "Unism," which posits that all elements of painting - colour, form, space, and context - work together to create a unified whole.
BogusÅaw Linda, who plays StrzemiÅski, delivers a remarkable performance as the artist. He transforms into the character with conviction and dedication, portraying the artist's frustration, anger, and vulnerability in a manner that takes the viewer on a captivating journey.
Zofia WichÅacz who portrays Nika, the daughter of StrzemiÅski, also puts in a remarkable performance as she drives the narrative with her innocent yet intelligent portrayal of a young girl. Bronislawa Zamachowska, who plays Katarzyna Kobro - StrzemiÅski's fellow artist and companion, also delivers a stunning performance that complements that of Linda's.
The movie is bleak, with much of its runtime emphasizing the darkness and hopelessness of StrzemiÅski's life. The narrative is also embedded with political undertones, clearly criticizing the authoritarian nature of the Communist government, which sought to meddle in the country's artistic expression.
The cinematography in the movie is breathtaking, with a range of shots used to create a sense of intimacy and intensity. This technique helps the viewer connect with StrzemiÅski's personal struggles and artistic achievements with raw emotion.
Afterimage is a poignant tale of an artist at odds with both his government and his own mortality. Andrzej Wajda's last film before his death is a fitting testament to the director's legacy as a master of Polish cinema, who never shied away from tackling difficult subjects.
Overall, Afterimage is a film that resonates with the viewer long after the credits have rolled. It is a testament to the human spirit and the power of art to transcend personal struggles and political oppression. If you are a fan of Polish cinema or enjoy biographical films with a political undertone, then Afterimage is the film for you.
Afterimage is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 75.
