dekalog, four (w&d krysztof kieslowski, w. krzysztof piesiewicz)

Perhaps the most astonishing thing about the fourth chapter of Kieslowski’s Dekalog is the lack of astonishing things. There are no big dramatic moments. There’s one long dramatic scene, which culminates in a decision (or two decisions), but no-one fights, no-one fucks, no-one even screams. All those things which are taken for granted as being necessary to make captivating drama are missing. In spite of this, the short film has you sitting on the edge of your seat. There a tension which is almost nebulous, but instilled in every frame. The shadow of incest, which might have become the focus, is dispelled. This is a simple tale about the meaning of love, rendered with minimal effort.