The Scar (1976) - full transcript
1970. After discussions and dishonest negotiations, a decision is taken as to where a large new chemical factory is to be built and Bednarz, an honest Party man, is put in charge of the construction. He used to live in the small town where the factory is to be built, his wife used to be a Party activist there, and he has unpleasant memories of it. But he sets to the task in the belief that he will build a place where people will live and work well. His intentions and convictions, however, conflict with those of the townspeople who are primarily concerned with their short-term needs. Disillusioned, Bednarz gives up his post.
Is everything under control?
There must be no mistakes.
Our big test is coming up.
-Jan.
- Yes?
The worst houses, the hovels,
the ruins -
do we have pictures of them?
- Yes, enlargements.
- Good.
And the missing houses?
Good. Powerful images.
Has the water been pumped?
It's been done, sir.
Good.
What time did you get up,Jan?
Half past 4:00, sir.
I hope
they'll let us
get up later now.
What's this list?
People attending the meeting.
Cross him off. Him too.
I don't want to see him here.
You already have, sir.
What's this?
Who wrote this?
Keep that journalist out of here.
-Jan.
- Yes?
- Will the people outside come?
- Yes.
Of their own accord.
They want this.
Think I don't know it?
We're working for them.
They want it,
but you'll have to get them here.
That's your job. It's serious.
Quickly, in rows of four.
Here, four by four.
Screenplay- Dialogue
Directed by
KRZYSZTOF KIESLOWSKI
Photography by
SLAWOMI R I DZIAK
Produced by
ZBIGNI EW STANEK
Let's go to town.
THE SCAR
Five provinces want this factory,
and there have been dozens
of commissions.
The decision must be made quickly.
I have some pictures to show you.
Here.
See how
people live in our town.
They need a place to work.
Our province has always lost out
on industrial investment.
This is a break for us.
We must grab it.
Opinions differ.
An article in this paper
criticizes the location.
We must take public opinion
into account.
Have you read it?
No.
Public opinion, you say?
Here.
This is what they're saying.
Come look, comrade.
The minister
should see this too,
and all those who lecture us
on the beauty of nature.
Everyone wants work in the factory.
They need work!
Look at them.
And look at the pictures.
Is this my coffee?
Yes.
Bravo for your window idea.
We will build here,
and soon.
Comrade, who will the director be?
Has that been decided yet?
I don't want to...
Excuse me, comrade. May I...
- Do I know you?
- Yes.
We have a local man in mind.
He's very experienced.
Sure. What's his name?
- Hello.
- Good morning.
- Did they play well?
- Very well.
You know more than me.
What's the score?
A pushover.
No, he won't be in today.
Your plane ticket to Warsaw.
They called.
- Do I need anything?
- No, they need you.
- For how long?
- They didn't say.
- Did you ask?
- Yes.
Stefan!
- You're here?
- Hello.
- Changed jobs?
- No.
How do you like Silesia?
They forecast rain and it's fine.
It rained a bit.
Listen, this is important.
And it's my baby, as usual.
You're still the same.
Yes, well, listen to this.
Prepare yourself. This is big.
Go ahead.
You've been appointed to Olecko.
- Really?
- Yes.
We're late.
Your plane was delayed.
Why did Eva come?
It's only for a few days.
She needs a rest.
She's not well.
An abortion?
That girl!
Stefan, ease up...
Did you go to Warsaw?
Olecko.
I'm not going there.
I don't want to go back.
No one there is gonna remember
an event from 20 years ago.
Don't kid yourself.
They'll remember.
- I won't go back.
- I'll set things straight.
We'll set things straight.
Listen.
If you did the wrong thing...
No.
- If you...
- No, it's not that.
If people remember...
I did the right thing.
What about the dog?
I'll take him.
Who set you on my tail?
Come on, sir.
You know how it is.
I've got a story to cover,
that's all.
It's really huge.
Yes, it's big.
You see, sir...
I'm trying a new approach.
Let's just talk.
- Go ahead.
- Be frank
about your problems,
your difficulties.
Frankly...
It always works on paper,
but the reality is very tough.
Are you filming?
Then we better put it another way.
- Right. Cut.
- Don't you agree?
Cut.
This isn't a movie.
No second takes.
Have you researched this area?
My uncle lives here,
Professor Michta.
I know him.
All right. Ready to go?
Fine.
We are on a vast site.
A few months ago,
a forest grew here.
Now bulldozers
are busy over the area.
This is Stefan Bednarz,
the factory director.
What aspect do you consider
most important?
It's a great opportunity
for the district.
Olecko is a lovely town,
but it's been a bit forgotten.
Tolo, look.
The forester lived on the edge
of the woods
only six months ago.
Those trees
are two centuries old, right?
The price of civilization...
I've filmed around here before.
Six miles from here,
- it's just sand.
- Six miles from here,
it's another province.
They hadn't invested
enough here, see?
My God,
where are we going?
I think speaking one's mind
is excellent,
but your fears are unfounded.
Be patient and trust us.
Although things
are difficult and rushed,
this development is useful and valid.
All that
sounds very fine,
but why the delay?
Why wasn't there
a design competition?
Okay, the factory is being built.
But what exactly
are you doing for our town?
Do you have more projects
with this architect?
We don't want them.
We prefer our old town.
We see the harm you're doing.
Walk around the Dzialki district.
It's in ruins,
all the houses torn down.
Bulldozers are destroying
everything people built
for their old age: their gardens
and trees, all destroyed right now.
I do understand,
but we're talking
about infrastructure -
What infrastructure?
That 1 ,600 feet of piping
that's old and too narrow anyway?
Houses used to stand there.
You demolished them in two days!
Citizens, your comments
lack wider vision
and a long-term social approach
to the development of your town.
You're airing personal grievances.
That's an insult!
- Calm down!
- This is a technical meeting.
- Order, please!
- Straight facts, sir!
Mr. Chairman, citizens,
I must express
my surprise and disappointment.
A forest is at stake
of over 20,000 acres.
Before it has even been built,
the factory is devastating
all the surrounding areas.
Some wells were drilled on the site,
causing drought in the area.
The villages lack water.
Park over there.
Why Olecko?
Why our town?
The somewhat questionable merit
isn't yours, no.
Bednarz is responsible.
He's no ordinary engineer
and technocrat.
He's another breed:
a genuine humanist.
He wants his town to flourish,
but he forgets
that he's mortal,
and after he's gone,
he might be replaced
by a pigheaded technocrat
with a philistine mentality,
who will destroy everything
he fought for-
the theater, for instance,
and all that...
I've been watching your face,
Mr. Chairman,
and I see a smug,
self-satisfied man,
convinced that he's doing
the best thing
for the good of others.
So I ask you
if you've been listening
to what we're saying...
What is it?
Yes, Lech is with me, but he's busy.
You have to sort it out yourself.
Well, Stasio?
I know there's been trouble
between you two,
conflicts even,
but that was 20 years ago.
It doesn't concern me.
It's your business.
Do I have to spell it out?
You know about it,
and I can't explain it to you.
I'm going to speak frankly, Stasio:
I need you
on Bednarz's team.
Is that you?
Who?
You?
Come on, come on.
- Hello, sir.
- Hello.
He knew you were coming.
He had the whole house
cleaned up for you.
Everything all right?
You used to live here.
Old memories, eh?
- Going upstairs?
- No, I didn't plan to.
My assistant.
Have him join me on the site.
Mr. Bednarz?
- You sent for me?
- Yes. Now listen.
Some young sociologists
are on the way.
Their line is surveys
and opinion polls
on converting a village
into an industrial town,
on changing mentalities.
Let them get their PhDs.
But I need
- the lowdown on the general mood...
- A deal?
You've got me wrong.
I want information,
not denunciations.
Figures and trends.
- Arrange a dinner with them.
- Right.
Is that all?
Put them on the payroll.
Fix it up.
Get them started right away.
What do you want?
Why here?
Over my dead body!
Go on, crush me!
Crush me!
I won't let you through!
Stop! Stop the work!
Stop!
- I won't let you through!
- Get down, sir.
- Calm down. I've called a halt.
- I won't let you through!
I say no!
- We've stopped.
-Journalists...
- Were you filming?
- No, I'm on my own.
- Hello.
- Hello. Thank God!
Break it up, please.
- In the future, let me know.
- What's the point?
I said let me know.
May he have long life
A long, long life
My dear director!
At last! Welcome.
It's just us here.
You know Jan,
Lech from transport,
the head architect,
director of agriculture,
public prosecutor.
The work's going well.
The bedrooms are upstairs.
And here's something
simply splendid...
The bathroom!
Sorry, Komorek. Don't mind us.
Tiles... the whole works!
This is the project!
It's a bad location.
- Mr. Chairman!
- Excuse me.
See, it even eats cigarettes.
Mr. Chairman...
take a look at this!
It's no good.
You're funding it, though.
Yes, but it's your project.
You're the construction manager.
Afterwards we get the flak.
- Cigarettes...
- Okay, okay.
Only a few houses are affected.
They're people's homes.
- You've made a big mistake.
- Maybe.
But that doesn't change anything.
If we don't build there,
we waste a year,
and you need that housing
in six months.
- I'll manage without it.
- How?
You promised housing.
I'll transport them in buses.
How many roads can we build?
Lech!
Head of municipal transport.
Stasio, what is the state
of the roads after rain
in this area?
Right now,
5 5% of the roads are unusable.
- A drink?
- Yes, please.
Let's drop it. Drink up.
Dear director,
can we use Christian names?
I'd be delighted to.
- Bolek.
- Stefan.
What are they doing?
She ate my whole pack!
But she won't say hello.
We have to get to know each other.
Let's have a drink with Lech.
We're old friends.
- My cigarettes!
- Bitch!
You don't want Lech?
Sure I do. Cheers.
Where do I live?
There.
Here we are.
Good morning.
Settling in, I see.
This is the kitchen.
Bathroom. Your bedroom.
Your wife's bedroom.
And here's your study.
We can put a door in
and join the two apartments.
- What's in there?
- Two small rooms.
- That's fine.
- Sure is!
- Got the keys?
- Sure.
It's tiny.
It'll do fine for me.
Just one thing.
Could you find me some blinds?
I want to set up my darkroom.
No problem.
There are lots at the school.
- Can you?
- What slobs!
I'll have it all cleaned up.
Well?
I'll take it.
Shall we go?
You go. I'm staying.
- I'm at home.
- Bye now.
- Hello.
- Hello. How's it going?
We're managing, Minister.
I hear you don't want Stanislav Lech?
The municipality is for him.
So are we.
Don't be stubborn about it.
Can't I choose my own deputy?
The municipality
doesn't want him.
They're handing him over to me.
Two coffees.
Be discreet about it.
It's a question of tactics.
Do I have to teach you that?
I've heard...
that your TV appearances
aren't appreciated.
They don't want a highway
or modern houses.
Public opinion...
Don't make things hard for yourself.
To get back to Lech, his presence
in the factory
isn't a compromise. It's wise.
Aren't there more important issues?
Yes, that's the point.
Your coffee, Minister.
Your tea, sir.
Your number's ringing.
Shall I put you through?
- Not now.
- Yes, go ahead.
Feel free.
Excuse me.
Eva?
It's me. I want to see you.
Are you free? Let's say
6:00 at the Kameralna.
Hello, Dad.
How are you?
You're hard to reach, Eva.
Don't call me there again, Dad.
Here's my new number.
Your new number...
44...
84...
73.
- How's the dog?
- Fine.
This is your...
fourth number.
That's no way to live.
You have to know what you want.
Is your life the way to live?
Changing your work,
your town, your house?
I don't know.
You leave Mom on her own.
Is that a way to live?
She didn't want to come.
You don't understand her.
She didn't want to. Anyway,
you may have forgotten,
but we didn't leave
on a whim.
Your mother ran the cell
in high school.
They fired Lech, a teacher.
Some small farms
had been shared out.
Times were different then.
We left in '56.
So many years ago...
Mom still dwells on it.
You should see her point.
Can you find her some work?
Whenever she likes.
In the same school?
Mom must be sick of it.
I'm sick of it.
I've wasted two years studying
so I wouldn't owe you.
- Drink up.
- It's stifling in here.
I do everything wrong, don't I?
No.
Should I have left you alone?
Maybe your mother
is better off alone.
- Name?
- Witucki.
- First name?
-Josef.
- Education?
- School certificate.
Address?
Wigury Street.
Do you want an apartment?
- An apartment?
- Yes.
Next.
No pushing.
Don't push.
You'll all be admitted.
- How many technicians?
- Two.
- What about you?
- Five?
- How many technicians?
- Seven, nine.
- How many have you got?
- Twelve.
- Primary education?
- Forty-nine.
- Without school certificates?
- 21 1 .
- Good. Can I make a call?
- Sure.
Mr. Bednarz? It's going well.
So far we have 3 2 technicians,
21 0 guys with certificates.
Hang on.
What is this? Calm down.
Everyone will be seen.
Make room.
Is anyone hurt?
Move along.
I said 21 0 with school certificates,
and 680 without.
It's a free-for-all...
Yes, on the other side.
All right with you?
Four o'clock?
Is that definite?
Okay, I'll tell him.
Everything's fine.
Yes, thank you.
They're starting at 4:00.
- Bednarz, yes...
- Over here, Hania...
- The director must sign here.
- I'll see to it.
I did tell you... What?
Yes. Fine.
Okay. Good-bye.
- Who signed that?
- Head of transport.
His name?
Lech.
Get me the head of personnel.
Hania.
Will you call Piramowicz?
Hania, I'd like some tea.
- Me too.
- Right away, sir.
- Will you be back?
- Yes.
Set up the pumps.
What? Yes.
And the frequency?
Cheer up.
Check the pumps. At last.
Hold on...
Why didn't I know
we have a head of transport?
- How long has he been working?
- A month.
The municipal council
recommended him.
He's from the Board ofTransport.
Yes... the frequency.
Why didn't you tell me?
We needed a man
who knows everybody.
But why wasn't I informed?
The technical director endorsed it.
I just told you!
Check the pumps!
I want to know who we employ.
You no longer work here.
Sir...
You granted subsidies
to sociologists who don't work
for the production.
You don't work here anymore.
They don't have subsidies.
- Yes, they do.
- Really?
The French.
Katowice for you.
I said it'd be fast.
Thank you.
It's me.
I know it's you.!
Sorry,justjoking.
It must be late.
What's up?
Quiet, it's my husband.
- It's 4:00 a.m.
- What's going on?
I could be asleep...
What is it?
We're inaugurating the factory
tomorrow. You should come.
What are you doing?
Now? It's my birthday.
Lots of useful things:
learning English, housework...
How's the dog?
He's asleep.
Listen...
happy birthday.
Thanks.
Stefan.
Eva's coming to see you.
She called me today.
She wants to bring her boyfriend,
- a photographer or something.
- That's good news.
- Hello.
- Hello.
This looks all right, doesn't it?
I have to shoot 20 minutes a month.
- Mr. Bednarz.
- What is it?
- We're ready.
- Coming.
Good-bye.
Head computer scientist...
Doesn't he know too much?
He certainly does!
You see!
- A sight for sore eyes.
- Listen...
- We had to get people here.
- Forget it.
Excuse the informality...
From your father.
Thank you.
Come and join us.
- Later, maybe.
- We'll expect you.
Thank you.
Excuse me, sir.
Perhaps you might have
a job for me...
I remember you
when you were a toddler.
You're called Eva, aren't you?
Me and my buddy were
cutting down trees and he said...
- See the head of personnel.
- It's better to see you.
Say I recommended you.
You're a lovely girl.
No offense meant.
No offense taken.
Here's to the director.
I say...
Have a drink with me.
Sergeant, throw that drunk out.
- Where?
- Over by the buffet.
Do it.
Be a man!
Hold it! I'm not going nowhere!
Look.
No one has the right
to treat a citizen
like this.
Why? Just tell me why?
You even lit up the hillside?
That's the cemetery, Eva!
Tell me, Dad...
are you happy about all this?
Is the great Bednarz happy?
I'm doing my job.
You're a builder.
This isn't your job.
You can't handle human problems.
You sound just like your mother.
Drop it, Dad.
But still...
you did treat Lech badly.
You refuse to admit it.
It's ridiculous.
Why?
You're strong, but you don't have
the courage to say to him,
''I'm sorry. I was wrong.''
Want to know
what happened here 25 years ago?
No, I don't.
What I care about is today.
Did you see what they did
to the guy
you promised a job to?
No.
They kicked him out
of your fabulous party.
Don't you have the feeling
that nothing depends
on you anymore?
Let's not talk about the site.
Let's talk about me.
What do you know about me?
Nothing,
and you're afraid to find out.
Because I break...
the ties that bind me, you see?
You think that's a solution?
Yes.
So you have those abortions?
The UN Security Council
in New York will examine
the deteriorating situation
in Vietnam.
Now for home news:
The chemical factory in Olecko
was inaugurated today.
The culmination
of four years'hard work
by thousands of people.
For four years
Olecko was one of the largest
building sites in Poland.
The inauguration was attended
by government members
and Party leaders.
Factory representatives,
director Stefan Bednarz,
head builderJan Marcinlowski
and coordinatorJan Wojcik
were awarded medals
by the minister
of chemical industry,
in the presence of a member
of the Political Office.
From year one on,,
they must produce 3 2,000 tons
of nitrates
that our agriculture needs.
A tour of the factory
and a review of the perspectives
followed the inauguration.
The workforce
put forward a series
of social improvements.
The day ended in festivities.
We will cover that
in our next news program.
- When did you get it?
- Yesterday.
It's really something.
A Sonar.
Yes.
- What's that?
- A reflex.
Superb.
Look.
What magnificent horses.
I'm trying to listen objectively,
and my conclusion is
that this investment
transforms your town,
which was perfect.
I must tell you - it's no secret -
that I know this town.
I've lived here,
and I know
there were problems here.
People said
other towns were developed,
never this one.
You say you're expanding
the factory?
Yes, to three times
its present size.
- What?
- You're not serious?
Just look out the window.
These are the problems we must solve.
Your arguments
are trivial in comparison.
Mere details!
Details! For God's sake!
This may seem drastic,
but in my opinion
- a wider view is called for.
- Wider?
When the doctor can't visit
my sick child
because there's only one clinic
and ten times more people
than before!
Is that a detail?
You're the expert here...
Yes, but in the factory.
Not in the town, I'm afraid.
Don't you want to find out
how we live?
Come shopping,
see the nursery school?
You talk to us
about society,
but in the meetings
when we're in your place,
you wouldn't believe what we hear.
Social problems
can't be solved your way,
sticking slogans up all over town.
We didn't put them up.
Madam, I'd like to outline calmly
the management's attitude,
our director's attitude.
Everything you've put forward
and we've listened to -
now please understand this -
is outside our province.
You must approach
the council as citizens.
Then we can do something.
I think I'm speaking
for everyone present:
You should feel
as concerned as we do.
We're all members
of a socialist society.
- Right?
- You're bringing out the big guns.
We don't need reminding.
We've covered a lot of issues.
We shall try to draw
some conclusions. Thank you.
Thank you.
Just what we expected.
- Right. Thank you.
- Good-bye.
Good-bye.
Hania, sit down.
In the future,
don't show delegations
into Bednarz's office, okay?
But it's not my fault.
I don't make the decisions.
Just don't let them in to see him.
Send them to me...
or to Lech.
Preferably to me.
- All right.
- Bednarz is too busy.
- Very good.
- Thank you.
It's nothing.
Interesting.
What will you do with it?
I'm sending it
to the ''Polityka.''
With your photos?
Why?
Create controversy.
A good career move.
You'll be talked about.
I brought you here
to give you an objective view.
You can order other results.
You have the means to do so.
You don't know me very well.
Lies don't interest me.
You talk about
resentment and anxiety,
but when you question people
in your surveys,
don't forget what the issues are.
We have a good view from here.
I want you to be convinced.
I want to convince you personally.
We've only just begun.
We're here because
we believe in you
and in what you're doing.
As for our own work,
it's a way to discover the truth.
But there's a difference
between the truth
and what we believe.
We want the truth.
It prevents mistakes being made.
My mistakes?
Mistakes in general.
I know it isn't your intention,
but this will be taken
as a list of my faults.
Are you going to publish it?
- Not necessarily.
- If you approve.
I'll make you publish it.
But not right now.
Hello.
Eva just had a baby.
When?
Last night.
I took a train at dawn.
So she was pregnant
when I saw her.
She's dropped out of college
and moved back home.
To your place?
Back home.
If you need money or anything...
Come up on the stand.
Then we'll go and eat.
Okay. I haven't slept.
A little girl?
- What is it?
- Why is he here?
Who?
Lech.
He's working for me.
I want to go.
Wait a minute.
I can't.
The concrete is disintegrating.
The girders are breaking.
We must stop the work.
The rain is bringing down
tons of saltpeter.
There's no alternative.
We need a huge funnel.
How far will the saltpeter spread?
- Four to five miles.
- A vast area.
CLOSE DOWN THE FACTORY
I remember
when you were appointed,
Comrade Bednarz,
head of the complex.
The main reason
was the inside experience
you had gained
among the workers in major industry.
In view of our responsibility
as a Party organization,
we have informed
the Party executive of the situation.
The difficult situation
confronting us
in Olecko...
Over to the secretary of propaganda.
Comrades, the problem
is clearly set out
in the documents and reports.
I'd like to emphasize the connection
between the overall problems
and the ideological attitude
of the factory workers.
The slogan on the wall
was an irresponsible act,
but it has made the atmosphere
in the factory
even more unhealthy.
It has set tongues wagging
all over town.
And you have acted
with great inefficiency.
You could have erased it
before 1 0:00.
You know Olecko so well.
You know everyone
working in the factory.
You know them all.
Yet conflicts still arise.
You've failed to create
a good atmosphere,
even though you work well.
Comrade Secretary
of the Olecko district.
We're looking for an answer
to this question:
how to improve
the factory situation?
This question should be put
to all the workforce,
as no one knows
better than they do
the root of the problem.
You must let people do their work
and make decisions, Comrade Bednarz.
But for a while now,
for quite a while,
the director doesn't see people,
or listen to them.
He doesn't have
faith in them.
You should have helped him,
- pointed it out...
-Just a minute...
Before you answer,
Comrade Director,
I have one more question.
The cessation of the building work
also springs from a lack
of ideological conscience.
You were one of the first people
on the spot.
You didn't inform the cell
or the district committee.
You decided alone.
You can't act like that,
Comrade Director.
But it was necessary,
even if the sense of injustice
was subjective...
- Comrades, I'd like to...
- Go ahead.
Stefan,
we worked together in Olecko.
I think that after I left,
you took on a lot
that we used to share
with the Party militants,
with the unions...
and the administration, right?
People got into the habit
of going to see Bednarz
instead of the municipal council.
Even when it wasn't
within your province.
You got them used to it,
and this is the result.
Not on your own!
You never go far alone.
You suffocate. Thank you.
One question, Comrade Bednarz:
Do the secretaries' conclusions
seem clear?
Will you work
with the Party and the unions
to eliminate this negative
phenomenon concerning the factory?
Yes, I will do my best
to eliminate the problems
that should be eliminated,
but I must warn you
that I cannot
change the way I work
or the form it takes.
I can't become someone else,
switch personalities.
Hey,Jan, what's going on?
- An executive meeting.
- And?
- They tore a strip off him.
- Really?
What for?
The usual. Get it?
No change then? He's staying?
- Yeah, sure.
- Did they mention us?
- Yes, your name came up.
- What have they got on me?
How far are we from the factory?
About a mile.
To be exact:
- 1 .4 miles.
- Thank you.
Will all that be cut down?
Yes, those trees are dead.
How far away are we really?
- Over two miles.
- My God! Two miles!
It's a great opportunity
for the region.
The funds aren't only
for the factory.
Local culture will benefit too.
The factory will providejobs,
daily bread.
At the same time we'll build
new neighborhoods,
swimming pools, tennis courts,
even a theater.
Is it a Nagra?
Yes.
A top recorder, huh?
We can change people's lives
for the better.
Hear that?
Yes.
Well?
I want to do a follow-up.
Do one about Kudelski.
He's a real success story.
We're a colossus.
It's an easy subject.
Am I a difficult subject?
In your view, am I good or bad?
It's not so simple.
I've had that tape for six years.
I want to see
how it comes across today
and how it evolves.
What did your uncle die of?
He'd always had a weak heart.
Give me some time.
Call me next week. Okay?
Okay.
Like to hear your boss's voice?
We must improve...
I'll tell him.
Is the hotel fixed?
...change. I am happy
to tackle this task...
Stop being silly!
Stefan!
There you are.
You didn't say you were coming.
Hello, my dear director.
Lech has shown me the basics.
- Over to you.
- Fine.
This way, Minister.
We'll come down to join you.
It looks good from up here.
It all depends on the men.
As you see, we're coping.
My three young engineers
are better than the French.
I hear you've made a clean sweep.
Yes.
What about the forest?
It's shrinking.
You wanted to speak to me?
I thought you wanted to speak to me.
I want to leave here.
Is this off the record?
We haven't done
all we wanted here.
I haven't either.
I think a mistake
was made early on.
I don't want to make it worse.
And I don't want to lie.
Do you feel at fault?
No.
I feel a fool.
You're very hard.
I have to respect the principles.
What do we tell people
who have staked
their careers on the factory
and production?
That's just it.
I don't want to have to tell them.
Don't you care about your career?
No.
I'm worn out.
Do you accept my resignation?
No.
See the job through
with your initial enthusiasm.
Why does it happen like that?
It's always the way.
The truth won't get you very far.
You always lose out with the truth.
What you're going to say...
The old saying:
''The truth will out''
isn't always true.
There are things
a director doesn't know,
information that doesn't reach him.
It gets lost on the way.
Nothing gets to him,
and he can't cope.
The problem isn't people
withholding information.
It's more widespread.
The workers must be able
to speak up,
to say what they really think.
Turn that off.
What?
Stop the camera.
- But...
- I'm with the management.
Come this way.
Yes?
Are you from television?
May I see your card?
Here.
Go ahead.
Thank you.
Do you have permission?
The director agreed...
No, that was a general agreement.
I'm the person to see
about the details.
I have a list of skilled people
who I can authorize you
to interview...
So I can't talk to them?
You could put it that way.
I just want
to listen to this tape.
- It's never...
- I'm sorry...
- So are we.
- You must leave the factory.
Right?
Go back to work.
You won't let us talk?
It's not that...just not now.
Sir...
The journalist for you. Galecki.
Shall I type that?
No. Is he calling from Warsaw?
No, he's downstairs.
Insinuate that I'm here
but that I don't want
to talk to him.
Still smoking?
- I knew you'd find me.
- Hello, sir.
Come in.
- Go ahead.
- Please.
Three days ago,
I was thrown out of the factory.
Yes, that's his style.
Want to go out?
Do go in.
I'llJust let him out.
Excuse me.
Come on, come on!
See how he jumps!
Come on.
Sit. Sit!
What's this picture?
I took it.
- Like it?
- Yes, it's great.
She was my uncle's lodger
during the occupation.
That must be me
in the picture.
I had curly hair.
What about your program?
- Sorry?
- Your program?
My documentary?
I wanted to call you
to talk about it,
but I couldn't get through to you.
Are you surprised
I won't discuss it?
I'm afraid of people who oppose me
over a difference of opinion.
Can I help?
Yes, I'll hold it...
The other day in your office,
you didn't seem frightened.
I thought you'd agreed.
We all have our moments of weakness.
Your film will be against me,
my methods
or the factory.
I had something
more ambiguous in mind.
Not some shallow, one-sided piece.
A film about you, as you are,
as I see you...
- Right now?
- Yes.
Can you take that in?
I'll be right there.
- In here?
- Yes.
Let's drink to my health.
And to mine.
So you were saying...
You see,
I have the impression
that the people here
don't feel like owners.
They fight you,
they fail,
everything gets on top of them.
It's not about bathrooms.
They can refuse improvements,
prefer the old ways...
You know what killed my uncle?
It wasn't his heart.
He died of loyalty to an ideal.
He was fighting,
going from bad to worse,
and his heart gave out.
Actually,
I shouldn't tell you this,
but he was the one
who wrote that slogan.
It was?
All on his own?
- At night?
- Yes. He took a brush
and painted it. Crazy, huh?
Yes.
I think one day
people will start saying
that their houses, factory,
town and country are all theirs,
but everything is different.
Not necessarily worse.
Do they want
to turn the clock back?
One can get used to anything.
Tell that to the farmers
whose crops fail,
who stand in line
for every sack of fertilizer
that I produce.
They're the majority.
It works in their favor.
You're tired.
We're all tired.
Listen.
The people you're defending
are all asleep.
It's late.
Do you believe
I'm working against them?
But why...
Why don't the people here,
the wisest ones,
want to participate
in the decisions?
They chose this place.
So did your uncle.
Did you participate
in those decisions?
Yes.
Is your conscience at peace?
Not entirely.
EVENTS AT GDANSK
You know about it?
I heard it on the radio.
What can we do?
If you need any help,
you can count on me.
All we can have
is a quiet conscience.
Going to the factory?
Yes.
Get in.
Mr. Bednarz.
Are there
any journalists here?
No, just the film crew
from the Hygiene Committee.
Get them out!
We're going down to see them.
You wanted to talk to me.
Very well.
Here I am.
Now listen.
I'll be open with you.
We all know the situation
the country is in.
I want you to know
that I think like you do.
I'm on your side.
But do realize
that we must act wisely.
Not rashly.
PAL T-4?
Yes?
Crappy technique.!
Stefan, for heaven's sake!
What are you doing?
You know we must stick
to the program.
The minister's here,
and lots of VI Ps.
It must all go according to plan.
They don't like changes.
You know the score.
The flowers are ready.
Are you moving in here?
Here?
My office is just the same.
They're all the same.
Yes, I suppose so.
Have a drink?
Yes, it's better than a pill.
Look here.
I want you to understand:
I'm not involved in this.
It's just the way it goes.
Sorry if I'm interrupting.
Only for a moment.
As we may not meet again,
I wanted to say good-bye
and thank you for everything.
At least you're realistic.
Aren't you?
I hope you...
I haven't messed things up
these last years.
You're starting off
on a firm foundation.
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
Mr. Bednarz,
your books are here.
Yes, thank you.
Come on...
walk.
I say walk on your own.
All by yourself.
Come on, come on...
There must be no mistakes.
Our big test is coming up.
-Jan.
- Yes?
The worst houses, the hovels,
the ruins -
do we have pictures of them?
- Yes, enlargements.
- Good.
And the missing houses?
Good. Powerful images.
Has the water been pumped?
It's been done, sir.
Good.
What time did you get up,Jan?
Half past 4:00, sir.
I hope
they'll let us
get up later now.
What's this list?
People attending the meeting.
Cross him off. Him too.
I don't want to see him here.
You already have, sir.
What's this?
Who wrote this?
Keep that journalist out of here.
-Jan.
- Yes?
- Will the people outside come?
- Yes.
Of their own accord.
They want this.
Think I don't know it?
We're working for them.
They want it,
but you'll have to get them here.
That's your job. It's serious.
Quickly, in rows of four.
Here, four by four.
Screenplay- Dialogue
Directed by
KRZYSZTOF KIESLOWSKI
Photography by
SLAWOMI R I DZIAK
Produced by
ZBIGNI EW STANEK
Let's go to town.
THE SCAR
Five provinces want this factory,
and there have been dozens
of commissions.
The decision must be made quickly.
I have some pictures to show you.
Here.
See how
people live in our town.
They need a place to work.
Our province has always lost out
on industrial investment.
This is a break for us.
We must grab it.
Opinions differ.
An article in this paper
criticizes the location.
We must take public opinion
into account.
Have you read it?
No.
Public opinion, you say?
Here.
This is what they're saying.
Come look, comrade.
The minister
should see this too,
and all those who lecture us
on the beauty of nature.
Everyone wants work in the factory.
They need work!
Look at them.
And look at the pictures.
Is this my coffee?
Yes.
Bravo for your window idea.
We will build here,
and soon.
Comrade, who will the director be?
Has that been decided yet?
I don't want to...
Excuse me, comrade. May I...
- Do I know you?
- Yes.
We have a local man in mind.
He's very experienced.
Sure. What's his name?
- Hello.
- Good morning.
- Did they play well?
- Very well.
You know more than me.
What's the score?
A pushover.
No, he won't be in today.
Your plane ticket to Warsaw.
They called.
- Do I need anything?
- No, they need you.
- For how long?
- They didn't say.
- Did you ask?
- Yes.
Stefan!
- You're here?
- Hello.
- Changed jobs?
- No.
How do you like Silesia?
They forecast rain and it's fine.
It rained a bit.
Listen, this is important.
And it's my baby, as usual.
You're still the same.
Yes, well, listen to this.
Prepare yourself. This is big.
Go ahead.
You've been appointed to Olecko.
- Really?
- Yes.
We're late.
Your plane was delayed.
Why did Eva come?
It's only for a few days.
She needs a rest.
She's not well.
An abortion?
That girl!
Stefan, ease up...
Did you go to Warsaw?
Olecko.
I'm not going there.
I don't want to go back.
No one there is gonna remember
an event from 20 years ago.
Don't kid yourself.
They'll remember.
- I won't go back.
- I'll set things straight.
We'll set things straight.
Listen.
If you did the wrong thing...
No.
- If you...
- No, it's not that.
If people remember...
I did the right thing.
What about the dog?
I'll take him.
Who set you on my tail?
Come on, sir.
You know how it is.
I've got a story to cover,
that's all.
It's really huge.
Yes, it's big.
You see, sir...
I'm trying a new approach.
Let's just talk.
- Go ahead.
- Be frank
about your problems,
your difficulties.
Frankly...
It always works on paper,
but the reality is very tough.
Are you filming?
Then we better put it another way.
- Right. Cut.
- Don't you agree?
Cut.
This isn't a movie.
No second takes.
Have you researched this area?
My uncle lives here,
Professor Michta.
I know him.
All right. Ready to go?
Fine.
We are on a vast site.
A few months ago,
a forest grew here.
Now bulldozers
are busy over the area.
This is Stefan Bednarz,
the factory director.
What aspect do you consider
most important?
It's a great opportunity
for the district.
Olecko is a lovely town,
but it's been a bit forgotten.
Tolo, look.
The forester lived on the edge
of the woods
only six months ago.
Those trees
are two centuries old, right?
The price of civilization...
I've filmed around here before.
Six miles from here,
- it's just sand.
- Six miles from here,
it's another province.
They hadn't invested
enough here, see?
My God,
where are we going?
I think speaking one's mind
is excellent,
but your fears are unfounded.
Be patient and trust us.
Although things
are difficult and rushed,
this development is useful and valid.
All that
sounds very fine,
but why the delay?
Why wasn't there
a design competition?
Okay, the factory is being built.
But what exactly
are you doing for our town?
Do you have more projects
with this architect?
We don't want them.
We prefer our old town.
We see the harm you're doing.
Walk around the Dzialki district.
It's in ruins,
all the houses torn down.
Bulldozers are destroying
everything people built
for their old age: their gardens
and trees, all destroyed right now.
I do understand,
but we're talking
about infrastructure -
What infrastructure?
That 1 ,600 feet of piping
that's old and too narrow anyway?
Houses used to stand there.
You demolished them in two days!
Citizens, your comments
lack wider vision
and a long-term social approach
to the development of your town.
You're airing personal grievances.
That's an insult!
- Calm down!
- This is a technical meeting.
- Order, please!
- Straight facts, sir!
Mr. Chairman, citizens,
I must express
my surprise and disappointment.
A forest is at stake
of over 20,000 acres.
Before it has even been built,
the factory is devastating
all the surrounding areas.
Some wells were drilled on the site,
causing drought in the area.
The villages lack water.
Park over there.
Why Olecko?
Why our town?
The somewhat questionable merit
isn't yours, no.
Bednarz is responsible.
He's no ordinary engineer
and technocrat.
He's another breed:
a genuine humanist.
He wants his town to flourish,
but he forgets
that he's mortal,
and after he's gone,
he might be replaced
by a pigheaded technocrat
with a philistine mentality,
who will destroy everything
he fought for-
the theater, for instance,
and all that...
I've been watching your face,
Mr. Chairman,
and I see a smug,
self-satisfied man,
convinced that he's doing
the best thing
for the good of others.
So I ask you
if you've been listening
to what we're saying...
What is it?
Yes, Lech is with me, but he's busy.
You have to sort it out yourself.
Well, Stasio?
I know there's been trouble
between you two,
conflicts even,
but that was 20 years ago.
It doesn't concern me.
It's your business.
Do I have to spell it out?
You know about it,
and I can't explain it to you.
I'm going to speak frankly, Stasio:
I need you
on Bednarz's team.
Is that you?
Who?
You?
Come on, come on.
- Hello, sir.
- Hello.
He knew you were coming.
He had the whole house
cleaned up for you.
Everything all right?
You used to live here.
Old memories, eh?
- Going upstairs?
- No, I didn't plan to.
My assistant.
Have him join me on the site.
Mr. Bednarz?
- You sent for me?
- Yes. Now listen.
Some young sociologists
are on the way.
Their line is surveys
and opinion polls
on converting a village
into an industrial town,
on changing mentalities.
Let them get their PhDs.
But I need
- the lowdown on the general mood...
- A deal?
You've got me wrong.
I want information,
not denunciations.
Figures and trends.
- Arrange a dinner with them.
- Right.
Is that all?
Put them on the payroll.
Fix it up.
Get them started right away.
What do you want?
Why here?
Over my dead body!
Go on, crush me!
Crush me!
I won't let you through!
Stop! Stop the work!
Stop!
- I won't let you through!
- Get down, sir.
- Calm down. I've called a halt.
- I won't let you through!
I say no!
- We've stopped.
-Journalists...
- Were you filming?
- No, I'm on my own.
- Hello.
- Hello. Thank God!
Break it up, please.
- In the future, let me know.
- What's the point?
I said let me know.
May he have long life
A long, long life
My dear director!
At last! Welcome.
It's just us here.
You know Jan,
Lech from transport,
the head architect,
director of agriculture,
public prosecutor.
The work's going well.
The bedrooms are upstairs.
And here's something
simply splendid...
The bathroom!
Sorry, Komorek. Don't mind us.
Tiles... the whole works!
This is the project!
It's a bad location.
- Mr. Chairman!
- Excuse me.
See, it even eats cigarettes.
Mr. Chairman...
take a look at this!
It's no good.
You're funding it, though.
Yes, but it's your project.
You're the construction manager.
Afterwards we get the flak.
- Cigarettes...
- Okay, okay.
Only a few houses are affected.
They're people's homes.
- You've made a big mistake.
- Maybe.
But that doesn't change anything.
If we don't build there,
we waste a year,
and you need that housing
in six months.
- I'll manage without it.
- How?
You promised housing.
I'll transport them in buses.
How many roads can we build?
Lech!
Head of municipal transport.
Stasio, what is the state
of the roads after rain
in this area?
Right now,
5 5% of the roads are unusable.
- A drink?
- Yes, please.
Let's drop it. Drink up.
Dear director,
can we use Christian names?
I'd be delighted to.
- Bolek.
- Stefan.
What are they doing?
She ate my whole pack!
But she won't say hello.
We have to get to know each other.
Let's have a drink with Lech.
We're old friends.
- My cigarettes!
- Bitch!
You don't want Lech?
Sure I do. Cheers.
Where do I live?
There.
Here we are.
Good morning.
Settling in, I see.
This is the kitchen.
Bathroom. Your bedroom.
Your wife's bedroom.
And here's your study.
We can put a door in
and join the two apartments.
- What's in there?
- Two small rooms.
- That's fine.
- Sure is!
- Got the keys?
- Sure.
It's tiny.
It'll do fine for me.
Just one thing.
Could you find me some blinds?
I want to set up my darkroom.
No problem.
There are lots at the school.
- Can you?
- What slobs!
I'll have it all cleaned up.
Well?
I'll take it.
Shall we go?
You go. I'm staying.
- I'm at home.
- Bye now.
- Hello.
- Hello. How's it going?
We're managing, Minister.
I hear you don't want Stanislav Lech?
The municipality is for him.
So are we.
Don't be stubborn about it.
Can't I choose my own deputy?
The municipality
doesn't want him.
They're handing him over to me.
Two coffees.
Be discreet about it.
It's a question of tactics.
Do I have to teach you that?
I've heard...
that your TV appearances
aren't appreciated.
They don't want a highway
or modern houses.
Public opinion...
Don't make things hard for yourself.
To get back to Lech, his presence
in the factory
isn't a compromise. It's wise.
Aren't there more important issues?
Yes, that's the point.
Your coffee, Minister.
Your tea, sir.
Your number's ringing.
Shall I put you through?
- Not now.
- Yes, go ahead.
Feel free.
Excuse me.
Eva?
It's me. I want to see you.
Are you free? Let's say
6:00 at the Kameralna.
Hello, Dad.
How are you?
You're hard to reach, Eva.
Don't call me there again, Dad.
Here's my new number.
Your new number...
44...
84...
73.
- How's the dog?
- Fine.
This is your...
fourth number.
That's no way to live.
You have to know what you want.
Is your life the way to live?
Changing your work,
your town, your house?
I don't know.
You leave Mom on her own.
Is that a way to live?
She didn't want to come.
You don't understand her.
She didn't want to. Anyway,
you may have forgotten,
but we didn't leave
on a whim.
Your mother ran the cell
in high school.
They fired Lech, a teacher.
Some small farms
had been shared out.
Times were different then.
We left in '56.
So many years ago...
Mom still dwells on it.
You should see her point.
Can you find her some work?
Whenever she likes.
In the same school?
Mom must be sick of it.
I'm sick of it.
I've wasted two years studying
so I wouldn't owe you.
- Drink up.
- It's stifling in here.
I do everything wrong, don't I?
No.
Should I have left you alone?
Maybe your mother
is better off alone.
- Name?
- Witucki.
- First name?
-Josef.
- Education?
- School certificate.
Address?
Wigury Street.
Do you want an apartment?
- An apartment?
- Yes.
Next.
No pushing.
Don't push.
You'll all be admitted.
- How many technicians?
- Two.
- What about you?
- Five?
- How many technicians?
- Seven, nine.
- How many have you got?
- Twelve.
- Primary education?
- Forty-nine.
- Without school certificates?
- 21 1 .
- Good. Can I make a call?
- Sure.
Mr. Bednarz? It's going well.
So far we have 3 2 technicians,
21 0 guys with certificates.
Hang on.
What is this? Calm down.
Everyone will be seen.
Make room.
Is anyone hurt?
Move along.
I said 21 0 with school certificates,
and 680 without.
It's a free-for-all...
Yes, on the other side.
All right with you?
Four o'clock?
Is that definite?
Okay, I'll tell him.
Everything's fine.
Yes, thank you.
They're starting at 4:00.
- Bednarz, yes...
- Over here, Hania...
- The director must sign here.
- I'll see to it.
I did tell you... What?
Yes. Fine.
Okay. Good-bye.
- Who signed that?
- Head of transport.
His name?
Lech.
Get me the head of personnel.
Hania.
Will you call Piramowicz?
Hania, I'd like some tea.
- Me too.
- Right away, sir.
- Will you be back?
- Yes.
Set up the pumps.
What? Yes.
And the frequency?
Cheer up.
Check the pumps. At last.
Hold on...
Why didn't I know
we have a head of transport?
- How long has he been working?
- A month.
The municipal council
recommended him.
He's from the Board ofTransport.
Yes... the frequency.
Why didn't you tell me?
We needed a man
who knows everybody.
But why wasn't I informed?
The technical director endorsed it.
I just told you!
Check the pumps!
I want to know who we employ.
You no longer work here.
Sir...
You granted subsidies
to sociologists who don't work
for the production.
You don't work here anymore.
They don't have subsidies.
- Yes, they do.
- Really?
The French.
Katowice for you.
I said it'd be fast.
Thank you.
It's me.
I know it's you.!
Sorry,justjoking.
It must be late.
What's up?
Quiet, it's my husband.
- It's 4:00 a.m.
- What's going on?
I could be asleep...
What is it?
We're inaugurating the factory
tomorrow. You should come.
What are you doing?
Now? It's my birthday.
Lots of useful things:
learning English, housework...
How's the dog?
He's asleep.
Listen...
happy birthday.
Thanks.
Stefan.
Eva's coming to see you.
She called me today.
She wants to bring her boyfriend,
- a photographer or something.
- That's good news.
- Hello.
- Hello.
This looks all right, doesn't it?
I have to shoot 20 minutes a month.
- Mr. Bednarz.
- What is it?
- We're ready.
- Coming.
Good-bye.
Head computer scientist...
Doesn't he know too much?
He certainly does!
You see!
- A sight for sore eyes.
- Listen...
- We had to get people here.
- Forget it.
Excuse the informality...
From your father.
Thank you.
Come and join us.
- Later, maybe.
- We'll expect you.
Thank you.
Excuse me, sir.
Perhaps you might have
a job for me...
I remember you
when you were a toddler.
You're called Eva, aren't you?
Me and my buddy were
cutting down trees and he said...
- See the head of personnel.
- It's better to see you.
Say I recommended you.
You're a lovely girl.
No offense meant.
No offense taken.
Here's to the director.
I say...
Have a drink with me.
Sergeant, throw that drunk out.
- Where?
- Over by the buffet.
Do it.
Be a man!
Hold it! I'm not going nowhere!
Look.
No one has the right
to treat a citizen
like this.
Why? Just tell me why?
You even lit up the hillside?
That's the cemetery, Eva!
Tell me, Dad...
are you happy about all this?
Is the great Bednarz happy?
I'm doing my job.
You're a builder.
This isn't your job.
You can't handle human problems.
You sound just like your mother.
Drop it, Dad.
But still...
you did treat Lech badly.
You refuse to admit it.
It's ridiculous.
Why?
You're strong, but you don't have
the courage to say to him,
''I'm sorry. I was wrong.''
Want to know
what happened here 25 years ago?
No, I don't.
What I care about is today.
Did you see what they did
to the guy
you promised a job to?
No.
They kicked him out
of your fabulous party.
Don't you have the feeling
that nothing depends
on you anymore?
Let's not talk about the site.
Let's talk about me.
What do you know about me?
Nothing,
and you're afraid to find out.
Because I break...
the ties that bind me, you see?
You think that's a solution?
Yes.
So you have those abortions?
The UN Security Council
in New York will examine
the deteriorating situation
in Vietnam.
Now for home news:
The chemical factory in Olecko
was inaugurated today.
The culmination
of four years'hard work
by thousands of people.
For four years
Olecko was one of the largest
building sites in Poland.
The inauguration was attended
by government members
and Party leaders.
Factory representatives,
director Stefan Bednarz,
head builderJan Marcinlowski
and coordinatorJan Wojcik
were awarded medals
by the minister
of chemical industry,
in the presence of a member
of the Political Office.
From year one on,,
they must produce 3 2,000 tons
of nitrates
that our agriculture needs.
A tour of the factory
and a review of the perspectives
followed the inauguration.
The workforce
put forward a series
of social improvements.
The day ended in festivities.
We will cover that
in our next news program.
- When did you get it?
- Yesterday.
It's really something.
A Sonar.
Yes.
- What's that?
- A reflex.
Superb.
Look.
What magnificent horses.
I'm trying to listen objectively,
and my conclusion is
that this investment
transforms your town,
which was perfect.
I must tell you - it's no secret -
that I know this town.
I've lived here,
and I know
there were problems here.
People said
other towns were developed,
never this one.
You say you're expanding
the factory?
Yes, to three times
its present size.
- What?
- You're not serious?
Just look out the window.
These are the problems we must solve.
Your arguments
are trivial in comparison.
Mere details!
Details! For God's sake!
This may seem drastic,
but in my opinion
- a wider view is called for.
- Wider?
When the doctor can't visit
my sick child
because there's only one clinic
and ten times more people
than before!
Is that a detail?
You're the expert here...
Yes, but in the factory.
Not in the town, I'm afraid.
Don't you want to find out
how we live?
Come shopping,
see the nursery school?
You talk to us
about society,
but in the meetings
when we're in your place,
you wouldn't believe what we hear.
Social problems
can't be solved your way,
sticking slogans up all over town.
We didn't put them up.
Madam, I'd like to outline calmly
the management's attitude,
our director's attitude.
Everything you've put forward
and we've listened to -
now please understand this -
is outside our province.
You must approach
the council as citizens.
Then we can do something.
I think I'm speaking
for everyone present:
You should feel
as concerned as we do.
We're all members
of a socialist society.
- Right?
- You're bringing out the big guns.
We don't need reminding.
We've covered a lot of issues.
We shall try to draw
some conclusions. Thank you.
Thank you.
Just what we expected.
- Right. Thank you.
- Good-bye.
Good-bye.
Hania, sit down.
In the future,
don't show delegations
into Bednarz's office, okay?
But it's not my fault.
I don't make the decisions.
Just don't let them in to see him.
Send them to me...
or to Lech.
Preferably to me.
- All right.
- Bednarz is too busy.
- Very good.
- Thank you.
It's nothing.
Interesting.
What will you do with it?
I'm sending it
to the ''Polityka.''
With your photos?
Why?
Create controversy.
A good career move.
You'll be talked about.
I brought you here
to give you an objective view.
You can order other results.
You have the means to do so.
You don't know me very well.
Lies don't interest me.
You talk about
resentment and anxiety,
but when you question people
in your surveys,
don't forget what the issues are.
We have a good view from here.
I want you to be convinced.
I want to convince you personally.
We've only just begun.
We're here because
we believe in you
and in what you're doing.
As for our own work,
it's a way to discover the truth.
But there's a difference
between the truth
and what we believe.
We want the truth.
It prevents mistakes being made.
My mistakes?
Mistakes in general.
I know it isn't your intention,
but this will be taken
as a list of my faults.
Are you going to publish it?
- Not necessarily.
- If you approve.
I'll make you publish it.
But not right now.
Hello.
Eva just had a baby.
When?
Last night.
I took a train at dawn.
So she was pregnant
when I saw her.
She's dropped out of college
and moved back home.
To your place?
Back home.
If you need money or anything...
Come up on the stand.
Then we'll go and eat.
Okay. I haven't slept.
A little girl?
- What is it?
- Why is he here?
Who?
Lech.
He's working for me.
I want to go.
Wait a minute.
I can't.
The concrete is disintegrating.
The girders are breaking.
We must stop the work.
The rain is bringing down
tons of saltpeter.
There's no alternative.
We need a huge funnel.
How far will the saltpeter spread?
- Four to five miles.
- A vast area.
CLOSE DOWN THE FACTORY
I remember
when you were appointed,
Comrade Bednarz,
head of the complex.
The main reason
was the inside experience
you had gained
among the workers in major industry.
In view of our responsibility
as a Party organization,
we have informed
the Party executive of the situation.
The difficult situation
confronting us
in Olecko...
Over to the secretary of propaganda.
Comrades, the problem
is clearly set out
in the documents and reports.
I'd like to emphasize the connection
between the overall problems
and the ideological attitude
of the factory workers.
The slogan on the wall
was an irresponsible act,
but it has made the atmosphere
in the factory
even more unhealthy.
It has set tongues wagging
all over town.
And you have acted
with great inefficiency.
You could have erased it
before 1 0:00.
You know Olecko so well.
You know everyone
working in the factory.
You know them all.
Yet conflicts still arise.
You've failed to create
a good atmosphere,
even though you work well.
Comrade Secretary
of the Olecko district.
We're looking for an answer
to this question:
how to improve
the factory situation?
This question should be put
to all the workforce,
as no one knows
better than they do
the root of the problem.
You must let people do their work
and make decisions, Comrade Bednarz.
But for a while now,
for quite a while,
the director doesn't see people,
or listen to them.
He doesn't have
faith in them.
You should have helped him,
- pointed it out...
-Just a minute...
Before you answer,
Comrade Director,
I have one more question.
The cessation of the building work
also springs from a lack
of ideological conscience.
You were one of the first people
on the spot.
You didn't inform the cell
or the district committee.
You decided alone.
You can't act like that,
Comrade Director.
But it was necessary,
even if the sense of injustice
was subjective...
- Comrades, I'd like to...
- Go ahead.
Stefan,
we worked together in Olecko.
I think that after I left,
you took on a lot
that we used to share
with the Party militants,
with the unions...
and the administration, right?
People got into the habit
of going to see Bednarz
instead of the municipal council.
Even when it wasn't
within your province.
You got them used to it,
and this is the result.
Not on your own!
You never go far alone.
You suffocate. Thank you.
One question, Comrade Bednarz:
Do the secretaries' conclusions
seem clear?
Will you work
with the Party and the unions
to eliminate this negative
phenomenon concerning the factory?
Yes, I will do my best
to eliminate the problems
that should be eliminated,
but I must warn you
that I cannot
change the way I work
or the form it takes.
I can't become someone else,
switch personalities.
Hey,Jan, what's going on?
- An executive meeting.
- And?
- They tore a strip off him.
- Really?
What for?
The usual. Get it?
No change then? He's staying?
- Yeah, sure.
- Did they mention us?
- Yes, your name came up.
- What have they got on me?
How far are we from the factory?
About a mile.
To be exact:
- 1 .4 miles.
- Thank you.
Will all that be cut down?
Yes, those trees are dead.
How far away are we really?
- Over two miles.
- My God! Two miles!
It's a great opportunity
for the region.
The funds aren't only
for the factory.
Local culture will benefit too.
The factory will providejobs,
daily bread.
At the same time we'll build
new neighborhoods,
swimming pools, tennis courts,
even a theater.
Is it a Nagra?
Yes.
A top recorder, huh?
We can change people's lives
for the better.
Hear that?
Yes.
Well?
I want to do a follow-up.
Do one about Kudelski.
He's a real success story.
We're a colossus.
It's an easy subject.
Am I a difficult subject?
In your view, am I good or bad?
It's not so simple.
I've had that tape for six years.
I want to see
how it comes across today
and how it evolves.
What did your uncle die of?
He'd always had a weak heart.
Give me some time.
Call me next week. Okay?
Okay.
Like to hear your boss's voice?
We must improve...
I'll tell him.
Is the hotel fixed?
...change. I am happy
to tackle this task...
Stop being silly!
Stefan!
There you are.
You didn't say you were coming.
Hello, my dear director.
Lech has shown me the basics.
- Over to you.
- Fine.
This way, Minister.
We'll come down to join you.
It looks good from up here.
It all depends on the men.
As you see, we're coping.
My three young engineers
are better than the French.
I hear you've made a clean sweep.
Yes.
What about the forest?
It's shrinking.
You wanted to speak to me?
I thought you wanted to speak to me.
I want to leave here.
Is this off the record?
We haven't done
all we wanted here.
I haven't either.
I think a mistake
was made early on.
I don't want to make it worse.
And I don't want to lie.
Do you feel at fault?
No.
I feel a fool.
You're very hard.
I have to respect the principles.
What do we tell people
who have staked
their careers on the factory
and production?
That's just it.
I don't want to have to tell them.
Don't you care about your career?
No.
I'm worn out.
Do you accept my resignation?
No.
See the job through
with your initial enthusiasm.
Why does it happen like that?
It's always the way.
The truth won't get you very far.
You always lose out with the truth.
What you're going to say...
The old saying:
''The truth will out''
isn't always true.
There are things
a director doesn't know,
information that doesn't reach him.
It gets lost on the way.
Nothing gets to him,
and he can't cope.
The problem isn't people
withholding information.
It's more widespread.
The workers must be able
to speak up,
to say what they really think.
Turn that off.
What?
Stop the camera.
- But...
- I'm with the management.
Come this way.
Yes?
Are you from television?
May I see your card?
Here.
Go ahead.
Thank you.
Do you have permission?
The director agreed...
No, that was a general agreement.
I'm the person to see
about the details.
I have a list of skilled people
who I can authorize you
to interview...
So I can't talk to them?
You could put it that way.
I just want
to listen to this tape.
- It's never...
- I'm sorry...
- So are we.
- You must leave the factory.
Right?
Go back to work.
You won't let us talk?
It's not that...just not now.
Sir...
The journalist for you. Galecki.
Shall I type that?
No. Is he calling from Warsaw?
No, he's downstairs.
Insinuate that I'm here
but that I don't want
to talk to him.
Still smoking?
- I knew you'd find me.
- Hello, sir.
Come in.
- Go ahead.
- Please.
Three days ago,
I was thrown out of the factory.
Yes, that's his style.
Want to go out?
Do go in.
I'llJust let him out.
Excuse me.
Come on, come on!
See how he jumps!
Come on.
Sit. Sit!
What's this picture?
I took it.
- Like it?
- Yes, it's great.
She was my uncle's lodger
during the occupation.
That must be me
in the picture.
I had curly hair.
What about your program?
- Sorry?
- Your program?
My documentary?
I wanted to call you
to talk about it,
but I couldn't get through to you.
Are you surprised
I won't discuss it?
I'm afraid of people who oppose me
over a difference of opinion.
Can I help?
Yes, I'll hold it...
The other day in your office,
you didn't seem frightened.
I thought you'd agreed.
We all have our moments of weakness.
Your film will be against me,
my methods
or the factory.
I had something
more ambiguous in mind.
Not some shallow, one-sided piece.
A film about you, as you are,
as I see you...
- Right now?
- Yes.
Can you take that in?
I'll be right there.
- In here?
- Yes.
Let's drink to my health.
And to mine.
So you were saying...
You see,
I have the impression
that the people here
don't feel like owners.
They fight you,
they fail,
everything gets on top of them.
It's not about bathrooms.
They can refuse improvements,
prefer the old ways...
You know what killed my uncle?
It wasn't his heart.
He died of loyalty to an ideal.
He was fighting,
going from bad to worse,
and his heart gave out.
Actually,
I shouldn't tell you this,
but he was the one
who wrote that slogan.
It was?
All on his own?
- At night?
- Yes. He took a brush
and painted it. Crazy, huh?
Yes.
I think one day
people will start saying
that their houses, factory,
town and country are all theirs,
but everything is different.
Not necessarily worse.
Do they want
to turn the clock back?
One can get used to anything.
Tell that to the farmers
whose crops fail,
who stand in line
for every sack of fertilizer
that I produce.
They're the majority.
It works in their favor.
You're tired.
We're all tired.
Listen.
The people you're defending
are all asleep.
It's late.
Do you believe
I'm working against them?
But why...
Why don't the people here,
the wisest ones,
want to participate
in the decisions?
They chose this place.
So did your uncle.
Did you participate
in those decisions?
Yes.
Is your conscience at peace?
Not entirely.
EVENTS AT GDANSK
You know about it?
I heard it on the radio.
What can we do?
If you need any help,
you can count on me.
All we can have
is a quiet conscience.
Going to the factory?
Yes.
Get in.
Mr. Bednarz.
Are there
any journalists here?
No, just the film crew
from the Hygiene Committee.
Get them out!
We're going down to see them.
You wanted to talk to me.
Very well.
Here I am.
Now listen.
I'll be open with you.
We all know the situation
the country is in.
I want you to know
that I think like you do.
I'm on your side.
But do realize
that we must act wisely.
Not rashly.
PAL T-4?
Yes?
Crappy technique.!
Stefan, for heaven's sake!
What are you doing?
You know we must stick
to the program.
The minister's here,
and lots of VI Ps.
It must all go according to plan.
They don't like changes.
You know the score.
The flowers are ready.
Are you moving in here?
Here?
My office is just the same.
They're all the same.
Yes, I suppose so.
Have a drink?
Yes, it's better than a pill.
Look here.
I want you to understand:
I'm not involved in this.
It's just the way it goes.
Sorry if I'm interrupting.
Only for a moment.
As we may not meet again,
I wanted to say good-bye
and thank you for everything.
At least you're realistic.
Aren't you?
I hope you...
I haven't messed things up
these last years.
You're starting off
on a firm foundation.
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
Mr. Bednarz,
your books are here.
Yes, thank you.
Come on...
walk.
I say walk on your own.
All by yourself.
Come on, come on...