A Short Film About Love (Krótki film o milosc)
Krzystof Kieslowski became best known, perhaps, for his "Colours Trilogy" (Red, White and Blue). They are beautiful studies of the human condition, specifically relationships.
But he had already proven himself to be a deft hand at exploring human nature. His "Dekalog" series, made for television, featured ten stories, each a stand-alone piece, yet some of the characters in different stories knew each other.
The stories in Kieslowski's Dekalog were set in a housing estate. A similar setting was used for A Short Film About Killing: a feature-length film, whose story is not unlike one of the stories contained in the Dekalog (indeed, it was not the only one to be adapted into a feature film).
Tomek is a shy young man living in a high-rise housing estate in Warsaw, with his over-protective mother. He has become obsessed with an older woman, Magda, who lives in an apartment across the lawn. At night, he watches her through a telescope.
At first, his attitude towards her seems voyeuristic and abnormal. There's no doubt it is abnormal, but that's because Tomek's timidity prevents him from interacting with just about anyone, let alone being able to pursue romantic interests with the opposite sex.
He is living among thousands of people in the apartment complex, yet he is isolated. His work brings him into contact with people every day, yet he is alienated.
Tomek and Magda finally meet, and their relationship is excruciatingly poignant. It's also extremely painful. It seems what Kieslowski is saying here, is that we are doomed to loneliness if we don't reach out to others. However, in reaching out to others, we risk being hurt.
If this film touches you, you will no doubt want to see the Colours Trilogy. If you were impressed by the Colours Trilogy, you really should watch this film, if you haven't already.