In this ironic Polish seriocomedy, Tomek (Olaf Lubaszenko), a young shy postal worker, worships Magda (Grazyna Szapolowska) from afar -- literally, peering at her through spyglasses. She shatters his illusions about pure, ideal love by stating matter-of-factly that she believes only in sex. Despondent, he tries to forget her, and when this fails, he attempts to kill himself. Upon recovering from his botched suicide, Tomek is amazed to learn that Magda has become hopelessly infatuated with him. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review by All Movie Guide
All Movie Guide
liked it.
Made six years before his final film,
Red,
Krzysztof Kieslowski's A Short Film About Love foreshadows
Red with not only themes of fraternity featured the final chapter of his beloved
Three Colors trilogy, but with the same poetic technique that has made Kieslowski's best work so astounding. Originally made as the sixth chapter in Kieslowski's ten-hour-long
Decalogue series, this extended version features a longer ending that adds to the haunting beauty of the shorter version. By focusing on the characters' unique version of what true love is, Kieslowski offers a heartfelt study on every complex aspect of the emotion -- exactly what the film's title promises. The film features perfect casting with Polish actor Olaf Lubaszenko playing the role of peeping Tom postal worker, Tomek. A Short Film About Love features a sparse yet constantly powerful score from master score composer Zbigniew Preisner. The film acts as both an introduction to the phenomenal cinematic craft of Kieslowski and as proof of his immense talent for any admirer. A Short Film About Love is an astonishing film. ~ Jason Gibner, All Movie Guide