Camera Buff (1979) - full transcript

Filip buys an eight-millimetre movie camera when his first child is born. Because it's the first camera in town, he's named official photographer by the local Party boss. His horizons widen when he is sent to regional film festivals with his first works but his focus on movie-making also leads to domestic strife and philosophical dilemmas.

CAMERA BUFF

Filip, it's starting!

He's drunk

Irenka!

Guess what?

- I think it's a girl
- That's great!

- Where's my wife's ward?
- First floor

Is that her?

No, it's not her.
It's some young girl

You won't be a father for hours

Irenka!



I'll have 320kg ready for you
next week

Thank you for ringing. 'Bye

I know it's against the rules, sir.
But I've brought this little snack

- Already?
- Well, she's at the hospital

All right, as a symbolic
gesture then

She's gone into labour

It'll be a while yet,
my first took 20 hours

OK folks, run along now

Take my keys. There's food
in the fridge

Here's the drink

No. I've got some more

You're here, Witek

I never drank so much in my life

Mr. Mosz!



It's a girl!

Wait, I can't go in like this

A girl!

Mr. Mosz...

We came here, saw your new flat,
had a few drinks...

We saw how moved you were
at becoming a father...

I'm getting old now

All I can say is that I envy you

Now I know what human
happiness looks like

Filip!

Call me Stanislaw

- May I call you Stasiu?
- You must!

Why didn't you take her these?

I forgot. I had a dressing gown,
cream and a comb. I'll go now

It's 10 o'clock. Tomorrow will do.
Where shall I put them?

It's a mess now, but
it'll be a super flat

We'll put the cot here,
with a table next to it

Here we'll keep the nappies,
clean ones... dirty ones...

And baby's toilet things

All painted white

What are you doing?

- What's this?
- Nothing special

- It's a camera
- A film camera?

I want to take pictures of
the child month by month

How much did it cost?

Two months' pay.
Irenka was a bit cross

- Moving pictures?
- Yes, like in the cinema

It's a great idea

She can see herself grow up

Wrong way round. Like this

Turn the volume up

He was marvellous

Irenka plays this

I need flowers. These will do!

- Filip, it's the boss's house!
- Oh hell!

- Name?
- Mosz

Your wife has mastitis.
We'll have to keep her in...

...unless she can get help
at home

Her sister might, but she works

Is it dangerous, doctor?

- No
- What a pity!

I wanted to film the baby

- Is it Russian?
- Yes, a Kwarc 2

May I have a look?

OK. But only for a few minutes

Ours?

Irenka

Have you touched her?

Of course!

They bring her to me for feeds

From a bottle

See what a mother I am

I can't even feed my own baby

I love you, Irenka

I love you

She's smiling.
Can I film her now?

She's wet herself

No, not naked

- Why not?
- She's a girl

Has someone died?

No, Piotrek drives a hearse.
He brought the cot

It gave me quite a turn

Irena Mosz

Oh! I forgot to film you
coming in

- I'll do it when she wakes up
- No, it'd be a bad omen

Halt! Turn! Form up into
two lines

Masks off!

Good morning

- You're fit!
- No, I was late

The exercise has been
carried out, Commander

Drop in with Osuch
when this is over

Masks on!

If anyone calls, I'm out

I asked you both so you couldn't
deny that you own a camera

I do

I believe it makes films

So the instructions say

Did you know that our Jubilee
is imminent?

Yes, the 25th anniversary

We expect...

...a lot of VIP's

Yes, we've booked the artists

This occasion can't just
come and go

We must record it

I want you to film it

I've only just bought the camera.
I wouldn't know how

You'll learn. How did I learn
about gardening?

From books. And Stasiu?

He learnt about stamps
from books

You have a camera

- And film?
- No, sir

What's our Culture budget?

113,000 zlotys.
We could start a club

We tried amateur theatre.
It didn't work

Theatre! Cinema is
the supreme art

- Who said that?
- Lenin

So, is it a deal?

It's a deal

Stasiu, you're the witness

Do you always go that fast?

Are you kidding? When I'm working
I crawl along

Do you want a lift, Irenka?

She's lovely!

Look at this equipment:
a projector, a stand, film...

Did you buy it?

The plant bought it.
Director's orders

Piotrek, how can I pay you for
the lift? I'll buy you a bottle

Don't bother

Just film me by the van

Mum will watch it three times

He's going to film me!

Take me driving down the slope

Why did they buy it?

The director wants to film
the Jubilee

He wants me to make the film.
Quite a challenge!

Does it have to be you?

I'm the only one with a camera

You bought it to film the baby

Damn, he's driving too fast

- Did you get it?
- In technicolour!

Do you know what Witek asked me?

How come I had everything?

The baby, you, this place...

I said it was all I wanted

If you want something badly,
you get it

It's a form of justice,
I suppose

You're a good man

Look at him! You'd think he was
born holding a camera

1,600 zlotys for you. 20 % tax

Name? That'll be 2,340 zlotys
for you

Oh, leave it on the chair

- This is for you
- Thanks. See you next time

Still here?

- You're sweating
- Of course. How did you like me?

- You really want to know?
- Actually, take it off

You can't go in there.
Film them as they come out

I'll call you

- Watch out!
- You idiot!

What are you filming?

Anything that moves

- Where are they?
- In there. I missed them going in

Shoot my feet going down
the corridor

Then my hand on the door handle.
We'll edit it later

Don't be silly

Are you filming people
going to the toilet?

I thought they were all coming out

Why not hide in the toilet?
That's enough!

What was that about?

He wanted it nice and formal,
the idiot

She's asleep

What happened?

To the mirror?

- It broke
- How?

- I broke it
- Why?

What were you going to say
earlier?

- Come here
- No

Why did you break it?

I hit it with my hand
and it broke

Which one?

I saw you leaving the plant.
You looked so tiny

I'll never forget the way
you looked

- No, it's too soon
- It's a month now

- It might hurt
- Then we'll stop

Look how I've cut the film:
first the artists...

Then the boss. Is it clear
he's listening?

I'll run it backwards.
The artists...

...the boss

The artists... the boss

My mum's fainted

What is it?

I don't know. Help me take her
to the hospital

You can't take her in a hearse

- You're right. I'll get a doctor
- I'll go

- She can't go in a hearse
- I'm calling a doctor. You go up

I must get the baby to sleep.
She's thrown up again

She's come round,
but she can't move

- At all?
- Only her eyes

Get an ambulance

- I have a stretcher
- I'll wait here

- Does he mean the hearse?
- Yes

- How's the baby?
- Fine, thanks

- What do you call her?
- Irenka

- Terrible, going in that
- She won't come back

That's all there is

You've done very well

I like the bit with the pay-out

- Why not add a commentary, though?
- What kind?

It's up to you, of course

But I'd like to know who spoke...

...what the occasion was

- It's obvious
- Music would help

Music... a commentary.
Like on the TV news

Congratulations.
Come back and see me later

Now we're alone...

Why showthe fellow with glasses?

He was just there

I want to see less of him

Less of him?

Better still, I don't want to see
him at all. And the pigeons?

Let's have them out

Three things are out:

The fellow with the glasses, the two
going for a pee, the pigeons...

- And the pay-out
- That's four things

Let's make it four, then

I'll leave the pay-out and
cut the pigeons

If I were you...

...I'd leave the pigeons and
cut the pay-out. OK?

You've been making notes, sir?

I take this seriously. Look

I bought a pen

With a light?

Watch this

You'll like it here

- A bit cold in winter
- In winter?

The boiler room is next door

What's in there?

You can use that as a cupboard

I like it here

It's funny howthings work out

Will I be doing something?

- A film, I mean
- You most certainly will

I must go to the cinema
more often

There's this silence
in the cinema

She starts throwing things at him,
but you can't see it

It's clever. You don't see him,
just things whizzing past him

- I'll comb her hair
- No, don't

Does she have to look a mess?

The child is the most moving during
the row. When she picks it up...

...and it's crying

That bit sticks in your mind.
Not the happy scenes

Leave it! Nowtake her

Go to the window

Beautiful!

If she'd fallen over, would you
have shot that as well?

- You should be ashamed of yourself
- Why? Nothing happened

They're digging up the pavement

They're always doing that

- I'll go down and get a few shots
- Can't you do it from here?

You're right. I'll get the tripod

That was smart thinking

It'll be a documentary film

What are you reading?

I'm just looking at pictures

- What's the matter?
- I dreamt a hawk killed a chicken

It's just a dream

I heard its beak hammering
the skull

I'll get myself some bread

I always wanted to ask you,
why do you eat at night?

It's a habit I picked up
at the orphanage

What's it all about, Filip?

I mean the films, the club...

I don't know

One thing led to another

And now you're hooked

I suppose I am

Promise me one thing?

That you'll give it up

Go to sleep

I was just in time.
I got it all

- There's someone to see you
- A beautiful woman

She's in the office

She wanted to smoke

I'll be off then

Here he is!

This is Filip Mosz,
our film-maker

Anna Wlodarczyk. I'm from the
Amateur Film Federation

Your boss suggested that we include
your film in our festival

We show films of people at work

I don't think that's wise.
It was meant...

...only for us

I'm impressed!

Most people make films
only to win prizes

Take a seat

Here are the rules
and an entry form

I'll expect you in Lodz
next month

We're not members of
the Federation

Didn't you apply?

Of course

Then you're members.
Can we see the film?

I'll take the call in there

Excuse me. I won't be long

- Cigarette?
- No, thanks

Come in a moment, Filip

Shut the door. Is it finished?

- Just the commentary
- And the matter we discussed?

No. We'd better not show it

Go downstairs

Does it make sense?

Yes, but why is it hacked
to pieces?

You ran out of film?

Well, it's early days

Sure, practice makes perfect.
We'll take the film

It's great, isn't it?

Look at this, Stasiu

You've really got carried away,
Filip

We're getting a phone

It's been rubber-stamped

- Like it?
- That's not what I meant

You pay, I deliver

My brother-in-law found God
at the age of 30

So what? I'm 30 myself

- He came to a bad end
- What happened?

He became a priest

Everyone has a hobby.
You've got your stamps

That's all I have

Nothing else

Don't win!

With those additions,
we're in business

You'll get top marks

I wouldn't know.
I had to come out

You're too sensitive

But you know what you want

I've brought bits from a new film.
I'd like your advice

We'll look at them later

Leave it with me

Do you know her?

She's got a lot of pull.
Do you know who's screwing her?

This is a load of shit!

That freak! He was thrown out of
film school in the first year

He'll boo the verdict,
you'll see

How did you get those pigeons?

They just happened to be there,
so I filmed them

What an idea!

You just film what's there?

- Well, yes
- I like that

How about first names?

- Czeslaw!
- Filip

Let me introduce the jury

Anna Wlodarczyk,
from our Federation

Teresa Smigielowna, actress

Andrzej Jurga, Warsaw Television

Tadeusz Sobolewski,
The Weekly Film

Stanislaw Niemiaszek, representing
the Trade Unions

And myself, as chairman

I would like to recommend
for the award...

...The Jubileeby Filip Mosz,
from the Wielice Film Club

For its originality

The way it captures the solemnity
of the occasion...

...while peering behind the scenes

People in private, pigeons
on the windowsill...

...the actors being paid
backstage

It shows great powers
of observation...

...and reflects an interesting
modern approach...

...to film narrative

- Isn't it his first film?
- Yes, it is

It'd be a shame to spoil...

...such a promising young
film-maker

He isn't that young.
Let's see you...

...Mr. Mosz

My fellow jurors...

...have spoken very eloquently
of the films shown

They talk of "social commitment",
"modern narrative"...

...and "documentation of the times"

But I saw nothing of the sort

These films...

...were all terrible

They reveal a knowledge of life
drawn from TV and newsreels

Not from personal experience

It is the duty of television
to broadcast certain things

Amateurs have no such duty

You can do what you like

That's where your strength lies

I can't believe your life
consists solely of meetings...

...ovations, presentations...

...parades and civil defence
exercises

On the other hand, I'm sure
you could make films...

...about yourselves...

...and about your workmates
who really work hard...

...to keep us all fed

My colleague has got carried away

We're here to give awards to films,
not to make speeches

That's precisely my point

These films don't deserve
an award

I propose this festival
gives none

The jury has decided not
to award the Grand Prix

The second prize and

...Stanislaw Miklosz for
The Verdict

The third prize and 4,000 zlotys
go to Filip Mosz...

...for The Jubilee

Anna says you have
something to show me

If I may

- That's all there is
- The idea is good

- Taken from the roof of the plant?
- No, from my balcony at home

Why only overhead shots?

Yes, I suppose it's monotonous

My wife won't let me film
outside

She's done you a favour

The only way to do it is
from one angle overhead

It'll win you all the top prizes

Let's hope so

I must go. I want to buy
a heater for my flat

- It gets very cold in the winter
- 'Bye. Thank you

- Good luck, Mr. Mosz
- Thank you

- Everybody's gone
- Will you buy me a coffee?

Whatever you like. I've never
earned so much in my life

Know who was right today?

Jurga?

Yes, those films were bad.
Including yours

You don't have to tell me

Why did you vote for it?

To encourage you to go on.
It's important for me

I know so little about you

What exactly do you do?

I'm a buyer

I travel a lot in Poland
buying supplies for the plant

It's not bad work

What about you?

Me?

I get by. Doing quite nicely

Know what they call me?

The Amateur. And they're right

I've never been able
to settle down

I can't commit myself to
anyone or anything

Time to say goodbye, Filip

But we'll meet again?

We'll see

Yes

- I'm blending her food
- You'll wake her up

I'm sorry. Look, all creamy!

What's wrong?

Irena...

What did you shout
at the station?

That you were not to win

Glad you're here, Stefan.
There are quite a few of us now

One thing the festival
has taught me...

...is to stop filming jubilees

- You got a prize though
- So?

We need a different approach

We should make films
about people

About our feelings,
our own experiences

Yes, Stasiu

Right now?

The boss has invited us round

They also gave me a diploma, sir

Well done. Third prize

Second, really, since there
was no first prize

Now I can congratulate you
officially, Filip

Can I keep the diploma?

Yes, of course

I planted this tree when my son
was born. He died when he was five

This one was for the girl

These apple trees... were
for the twins

You see, that's the way it goes

Good buyer, good film-maker.
Cheers!

No, thanks. I've got too much
to do. Well, what next?

We're finishing the film
about that invention

That'll be two films for the plant.
Then we must make one for ourselves

- What do you mean?
- Well, not about the plant

- What about, then?
- Life

- What did he want?
- To know our plans

- What did you say?
- I told him

- Why did you give him the diploma?
- No use to me. Things will work out

I've just had a word with
Mr. Osuch

We'll let you do what you want.
But we must keep a record

We'll give you a copy of
the film

We must have something in writing,
a sort of memo

For instance: "I'm making a film
about such and such..."

You mean a script?

Call it a script

- Where were you?
- The boss asked us round

Has the doctor seen her?

He has

Go away. Go!

Slam it harder!

What's this key doing here?

It's a new one!

Do you really want to know
about me?

What have you done?
Clear it up!

Is that how it was in that film?

Have you gone mad?

For God's sake,
what's the matter?

I don't know

You wanted me and you got me

You wanted a daughter
and I gave you one

You were meant to be happy

- I am happy
- No, you're not

I can see what's going on

Will you let me explain?

I did want all those things

And now I have them

I'm really happy, honestly

Then came this film business

You know how it happened

I realised...

...there could be things worth more
than peace and quiet

That a man needs, thatln eed...

...more than peace and quiet

That some things can matter more
than a home and a family

What can that be?

I don't know, but it can
matter more

- Do you understand?
- More or less

But so what? Everything's
coming apart

Piotrek's mother died,
on top of it all

- When?
- This morning

God, we're late

- Why are they waiting?
- Piotrek's not here

Piotrek hasn't come

Piotrek!

Boys...

All over?

Yes

Can you show me the bit of film
you took that time?

Piotrek...

Why didn't you show up?

I couldn't

I couldn't watch her
being buried

- What's wrong with him?
- Nothing

What did he say?

He asked to see the film
Filip made

Can I keep the film?

Yes, of course

I admire what you're doing

A person is dead, but
she lives on here

That's beautiful

What's this?

Can I leave this order with you?

We'll see what we can do

I feel like going to the cinema.
What's on?

Camouflage, with Zanussi
discussing the film later

- Where?
- In Freedom Square

I hope you deserve
my talking to you

I act as I do...

...because it's convenient

You can say I'm a cynic

- That's obvious
- What's wrong with that?

For you, or for other people?

For me, let's say

As you may have guessed...

...I don't care much
for other people

- That's too bad
- In what way? Be more specific

It would be pointless

Your arguments are much
too sophisticated for me

Who's ducking the issue now?
We've changed roles

I'd like to talk to you again

Meanwhile, if I were you...

...I'd keep a sharp look-out
for the rector

It's always a good idea to
be the first to greet him

Don't you think a film...

...about a successful man...

...would have more impact?

If I could create a character
in a universal mould...

...I'd make a film about him,
and no doubt I will one day

I made this film because I feel...

...that the odds in the world today
are against honest people

They seldom succeed

Too many of them fall
by the wayside

Is it enough for a director
to believe...

...he's telling the truth?

Or should he try to verify it?

He must. And there lies
our eternal dilemma

Wondering if what we're saying
is objectively true, or wise...

...without being able to specify
how it can be tested

Each of us hopes that his film
will help someone

That it will change society

But let's face the facts

We are no longer alchemists
of the soul...

...capable of changing the world

Criteria are relative

There are no hard and fast rules

We don't know. And this uncertainty
is our strength

It's what drives us to say things
over and over again

Differently, more tellingly,
more precisely

- Did you study another subject?
- Physics

- Is it true what you said?
- At what point?

What you said about films

Yes, though it's more complicated

But basically I meant what I said

Would you visit us in Wielice?

- Where is it?
- Near Cracow

We've an amateur film club.
They'd like to hear you speak

Why don't you call me?
I'll come if I can

Can I haveFilma ndPolityka?

Any kind of razor blades,
please

- I met Zanussi. I talked to him
- And what?

He said he'd come to our club

He explained why he makes films

Why?

I can't say. It's difficult

Know what? I feel good
when you're here

What are you doing?
Oh, I'm sorry, sir

I'd like to know...

...what's going on

It's in the script. A film about
an old worker of merit

Couldn't it be someone else?

Why him?

Perhaps because it's harder
for him to work well

Very clever! But a bit dishonest

Why?

Making a cripple the subject

You're using him
to make fun of him

No, we're not!

Sir, wait till...

...you see the film

Was that all right, Mr. Mosz?

Yes, thank you

Very good, Mr. Wawrzyniec

You won't be showing this
at any film festival

- Did you do it?
- Yes

Warsaw on the line!
Booth No. 1

Hello? Yes, this is Filip Mosz

What a surprise! I've been
thinking about you

Anything the matter?

No, I just felt like calling you

No reason

I'm glad

- Honestly?
- Honestly

So am I

- Doing anything?
- You mean a film?

Yes. It's about this man...

...who has worked in our plant
for 25 years

You'll have to see it.
It sounds silly over the phone

Filip?

- Is something wrong?
- No

I just saw... my wife

- She was standing there
- So?

- She's gone
- Run after her

- Are you running?
- No

What do you do in your
spare time?

We stay at home

My wife cooks dinner

We play rummy...

- Do you ever go out?
- Sometimes we go to the cinema

A cafe, more often.
Especially on Sundays

My wife likes fruit jellies

I haven't much of a sweet tooth

One way or another,
we pass the time

- When will you be back?
- Don't shout

It's my sister's Saint's Day

Damn, I forgot

So what if that's not where
I'm going?

Don't worry. I'll say hello
from you

They've taken all the ladders

The train to Katowice
will arrive in ten minutes

We invite you to come to our
cinema on Thursday at 4 p.m...

...to see Camouflage...

...followed by a discussion with
the distinguished professor...

...and film director,
Krisztof Zanussi

The showing is at 4 o'clock.
The film is Camouflage

It will finish at 5.45 p.m.

He's due at 5. Maybe he should
have coffee with the director

No, Stasiu. We want to show him
the club and my film

And the audience? I expect
about 100

- Go on! With 20 posters in town!
- And the announcement

We'll need extra chairs,
you'll see

Zanussi is coming tomorrow

Will you come? I want to
show him my films

I hear you slapped posters
all over town

- I'll get Wiesia to baby-sit
- She can't

- Will you come?
- And you'll mind the baby?

- What are you looking for?
- I've found it

- Why do you need that shirt?
- You want me to look like a tramp?

- I'll wash it
- Don't bother

This is a friend from the club,
filming for the first time today

A girl I work with

With these everywhere, we should
get a good turnout

Shall we go into the club?

People seem to like us. I get on
well with everyone at work

Does he work here in the plant?

Yes, he does

Full-time. For 25 years

He's retiring soon

My relations with the management
are very good

I've received a few important
awards

Worker of Merit, for instance

A watch... they seem to value me

That's it

I like the idea

A man who finds things
harder than others

That's how I see it.
But everyone says...

...I'm making fun of a cripple

You're not making fun of anyone

Who funds you?

The plant

They vet the scripts!

Someone has to approve the scripts.
Mine too

Do you know Jurga at TV?

Have you been in touch with him?

No, nobody has seen the film yet

Why don't you write to him?

This is our director

This is Mr. Zanussi, sir

Pleased to meet you

What have you been watching?

Mr. Mosz showed me his films

The one about the cripple
is interesting

I thought I'd made myself clear,
Mr. Mosz

- May I invite you to my office?
- It's a bit late

- Just a small welcome
- People are waiting

- Have you seen Irena?
- I haven't

Does a Mosz live here? A telegram.
Sign here, please

- I have no change
- Don't worry

I thought it was for me.
It had only the surname

"Letter received. Will call
Thursday, Jurga"

I've read it

- Is she the girl you rang?
- Who?

Jurga!

Jurga is a man, and he's bald.
He selects amateur films for TV

- What's today?
- Wednesday

It's Thursday tomorrow.
I'll wash up

No, thanks. Go on reading

This is Jurga. Zanussi told me
you've got something new

Yes, I showed him

I'm doing a programme on amateurs.
I want to see your new film

- Can you hear me?
- Yes, very well

Good

I've finished the film
you saw at the festival

The one Zanussi mentioned

And I'm working on a new project

When will it be ready?

- In about a month
- OK. But no later

What's the new film about?

An outing

- A work outing
- What?

An outing!

Good. See you soon

Thank you. Goodbye

Why are you yelling?

- It's a good line
- I don't know. He started

What outing were you
talking about?

We want to film the trip
to Ojcow and Auschwitz

- A documentary
- Good idea

I might go with you

Lucky the boss didn't come

We've got ourselves a film!

- When you shot those bottles...
- Were you scared?

Yes

Don't worry

We'll get the sack. I'm sure

In Kafka, this bus would
fly over the fields...

...and no one would get out

- But it won't?
- Probably not, Witek

Shit! I'm scared, Witek

You'll manage. If I were going,
I'd never come back

Look!

Shit, you're in for some journey

I'm worried about you, Mr. Mosz

Why?

You could be heading for a fall

But you know what I'm doing

Of course. You don't fool me

- You're on your way to the TV?
- Yes

- What are you taking them?
- Everything

The dwarf as well?

Yes. I want to showthem
what things are like in our plant

Let me tell you, then.
We're buying a new camera

- A bit bigger than yours
- 16mm?

Yes. The girl from the Federation
helped me

She's very fond of you

I thought I recognised Pieczka
in the hall

The doorman wouldn't let him in!

Did you bring all your films?

The three I mentioned
on the phone

Are they finished?

I was up all night editing them

Just a second. Our Current Affairs
producer would like a word with you

Mr. Mosz, Mr. Kedzierski
from Current Affairs

I think we should sit down

- You'll see me there?
- Of course

Mr. Mosz, we've had
the following idea

We want to do some features...

...on small towns and
their inhabitants

We're interested in culture, housing,
community schemes, and so on

You've already done our town
on television

Onlt's a Knock-Out

That's even better

We go back to the town
after a year

How does it look today?

Which of the then future plans
have come to fruition?

You want me to do that?

No harm in trying. At first,
just short reports

We'll supply the film.
You've got a 16mm camera?

Yes, I have

Good. Come back after
you've seen Jurga

- Is the material here?
- Yes

I'll be back in the evening

Very good

Was it all your own idea,
Mr. Mosz?

- No help from the wife?
- No, it was mine

The outing is a bit overdone

Drunks and Auschwitz...
it's too strong

I'll buy the pavement. But you
must let me have the dwarf

The boss isn't too keen

He's forbiddem me to show it

But it's not just about the plant.
It's a broader issue

- Well, yes or no?
- Yes

Doing business with Kedzierski?

You know, for that TV show...

...they did up the front of the town.
The back remained as it was

Here's your stock.
Film whatever you want

I'll take only what suits me

- Does that seem cynical?
- No

Itisc ynical

A film director once joked
that he was a civil servant

Actually... he was right

Give me 25 minutes, OK?

A nut-case. You know him?

Yes. I've met him

He was at the festival. Throwing
bits of film all over the place

Maybe you'd like to be an artist?

- I don't think so
- Thank God!

Ania? It's Filip

Could we meet? I'm in town

What a pity! Can I call you
some other time?

Yes, OK

Hello

- Where is the baby?
- With my mother

What's going on?

Nothing. Did you bring a present?

- What's going on?
- I told you. Nothing

I'm moving to mother's

- Where's the kid?
- Which kid?

- How many do I have?
- When did we last make love?

- Six months ago
- Five

I'm five months pregnant

- Shall I call him?
- No

Who?

A friend

A friend! That's what's going on

No, not that

You've broken her toys

Why now? When things are finally
working out for me

When I'm beginning to understand
what this shitty life is about

I did it for you two

Why now?

- I want something else
- What?

What we both wanted
at the beginning

A bit of peace and quiet

Rubbish! You just don't love me

I wish I didn't

What's that?

Go away!

"Your film will be shown
on television...

"...next Saturday. Regards, Jurga".

I told you you'd be all right

There's more to come

I'm now working for them...

...on a follow-up to that TV show

Look at that

Beautiful! Know what it is?
A zoom lens

Look, you screw it on like this...

You put the hood on...

- How much does it cost?
- 16,000 zlotys

Shit, that's amazing!

Now I zoom in...

Like the professionals, man!

- Look, the hearse!
- Piotrek!

It's three months
since he went away

Well, let's get cracking

I hope no one interferes

Lead me!

That was terrific

Isn't it awful here?

Look! Here she is in a long shot

And in close-up

In order for it to match,
I'll have to edit it

That kid of yours is pretty

When you edit this...

...remember that when a long shot
is followed by a close-up...

...the subject must face
the same way. Understand?

It's starting!
I'll pour the drinks

I'd like to show you a film by
Filip Mosz of Wielice

He told me he started
the club himself...

...thanks to the council and
management at his work

26 years have passed since
I came to work here

It just so happens that
I love my work

I've never been late...

...or missed a single day's work
in all these years

Things were rough at first

My first pay packet consisted...

...of 500 zlotys. Later
it went up to 720

Things are all right now

I've just had an increase
of 400 zlotys

Clearly, I'm appreciated

On Sundays we sleep late

My wife cooks lunch
and we play rummy

Sometimes we go to a cafe

My wife has a sweet tooth
so she always has a jelly

I'm not very fond of sweets

But we get on, anyway

We have a little chat

People seem to like us, though
we're not from these parts

Could you go to him, Mr. Mosz?

It's been so long we feel
part of the family

Are you all right?

You've done it beautifully, Filip

Really beautifully!

I was so moved I had to come out

I want you to knowthis is
only the beginning

On Sunday you'll see another
of Filip's documentaries

He's dragged everything out
into the open as it really is

Here's to you, Mr. Wawrzyniec!

Why has your wife left you?

You're so famous now

I don't know. She's probably right

It was inevitable

- Did she take the TV set?
- No

I'm sure she'll come back

Come on, Filip, sing!

Hello, gate! You'll be on the box
on Sunday

Filip, you're so clever.
My God, how clever you are!

Six months ago you had nothing

Now you have everything

- You make films. You're free
- In what way?

You're on your own. You've got rid
of Irenka and the kid

You're so clever, Filip!

They're beginning to showthe facts
on TV nowadays

To think that first film on our town
was for TV too!

It's the trend

We all watched

Kryska's mum lives there.
She almost dropped dead

- Have a cheese sandwich
- Thanks

As we were saying, Mosz.
We've got problems

- Will you be in later, sir?
- In half an hour

Stasiu, will you wait for me?

All my life!

He'll have to go

- Who?
- Osuch

Who's responsible for
cultural activities?

- The Works Council. Osuch
- Oh, my God!

We won't do anything drastic

He just won't get re-elected

He'll retire early

Because of the film on the dwarf?
Or the documentary?

The documentary, of course.
Though the dwarf didn't help

Let me be responsible
for what I do

You're young. You can
make mistakes

It wasn't a mistake, sir.
I did it because it's the truth

Come for a drive?

- Where to?
- Just a drive

Sir, did you bring me here
to admire the view?

Why are you sacking
an honest man?

Because of my films?

You didn't improve the back
of the buildings

People can live in pigsties
as long as the front looks good

For drunken outings and inviting
the artists, you're first in line

But to give Wawrzyniec more than
a fruit jelly would be too much

- Stop shouting
- I want to shout!

Go on, then. I'm all ears

You're sacking Osuch

It's more serious than you think

Osuch would retire anyway

The works clerk and the architect
will have to go, too

The money we received for
that TV competition...

...was needed for other things
than to smarten up the town

We had to rebuild the slaughterhouse.
And we needed a nursery school

We started building it. But because
of your film, we'll have to stop

Unfortunately, our needs and
what we are allocated...

...don't tally

- But one can't voice these opinions
- Maybe

Definitely. Community affairs...

...can't always be made public

Before opening your mouth...

...you must think of the damage
you can do

- You must be well informed
- I want to be. People ought to be

They're not mature enough

So it's back to square one

I'm doing a doctorate
in economics

I've had to study law,
two languages, sociology...

One must be informed

What's your next film about?

The brickworks. It's good

They haven't made a brick
for months

I'll tell you why

It's a small plant. Local supplies
of materials have run out

But jobs must remain.
So the men are employed...

...cleaning the town

I know. But why build the factory
there in the first place?

Have a look

It's so simple. The world
can be beautiful

People live and love

You should look at that, too

Your films are so bleak
and gloomy

I see

Only nature can be shown
as it really is

Maybe

- Is Witek in?
- No, just Mr. Osuch

Would you like some coffee?

What can I say?

Nothing. I know how you feel

I could tell you it's not
your fault, but I won't

The matter is far more serious

You must realise that
this will happen again

And you must carry on

If you feel you're right,
nothing else matters

You'll never know who
you're helping

Who you're working against

Like you didn't know now.
You'll help some, harm others

You're sensitive,
so it'll be tough

But you must obey your instincts

Something good has awoken in you

Hang on to it

I've grown very fond of you

I'm proud of you

We've all come to believe in you

You can't do anything for me

It's beyond you. Forget about it

Oh, here's Witek!

Witek, wait!

Witek, where's the film?
The one about the brickworks

I put it on the train

- What time does it leave?
- 3.30

Hey, there's a chain!

You'll have to sign a chit

- The one who sent it
- You sign it

- What did the boss tell you?
- Nothing

You'll expose it!

You'll ruin it!

Go on! Get it!

You've ruined it!

You stupid bastard!

You forgot to put out the bottle

- What's today?
- Sunday

She woke up at 4 in the morning

I was eating bread

That was a year ago

It must have hurt a lot

She was all wet

I had to carry her

I could hardly walk

I left her in the hospital

Some woman in labour screamed.
That frightened her

I walked up and down outside
the hospital for hours

Then she opened a window and
we talked, but not for long

In the morning I bought some vodka
and went to work