By 
By Roger Costa
Late Polish director Andrzej Wadja’s final film is an accurate recount on the life and career of respected avant-garde painter Władysław Strzemiński. Set in 1948 Poland, the film introduces the artist as a determined professional, passionately lecturing to enthusiastic young students at the School of Arts. His beloved persona is revealed through the friendly compliments he collected within the years, as well as remarks for his paintings, noted as highly influential, modern and inventive, and the fact he was the founder of the first modern art Museum in his country.
With the arrival of a post-war Communist regime , dictating propaganda ideas, demanding teachers and artists to engage in projects envisioned for their own benefit, the artist becomes the main target of opposition, refusing to collaborate. While politics rapidly infiltrates onto all forms of art, creating obstacles and censorship, there are also artistic and youth revolutions, and social transformations colliding at the same time. Actor Boguslaw Linda gives a tour-de-force performance as the painter, developing minimalist details in his characterization of strength, despair and loss, as well as impressive control of the character’s crippled impairments.
The lovely soundtrack highlights the preciseness and sensibility of the director’s portrait, creating a direct emotional connection to the artist, and his brave little daughter. Facing severe humiliations, such as being unable to buy painting supplies, or to work, or to be given opportunities and community assistance, the artist is continuously attacked by the regime’s new rules. At one point, they completely destroy an entire exhibition at a gallery containing Strzemiński’s works. He endures it all with integrity and hope. These strong aspects are also the main motivation of his daughter, an important part of the story, connecting the bridge between suffering and family perseverance. Bronislawa Zamachowska is fascinating as the young daughter Nika, as the director explores the depths of her reactions to her mother’s illness and death, and her father’s political battle, giving her space to shine.
Poland’s Official Entry for the Best Foreign Language Film – 89th Academy Awards®, the film premiered at Toronto Film Festival just a month before director Wadja died in October 2016, leaving a legacy on the nation’s postwar effects. It is an elegant, sophisticated well-crafted production about an oppressive regime, love and death for art and a visionary artistic force.
AFTERIMAGE (A Film Movement Release. Opens Friday, May 19th at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, NYC.)
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