Haven't seen every Kieslowski film yet, but of what has been seen all ranges between very good (the 8th episode of 'Dekalog') to masterpiece ('Three Colors: Red' and 'Blue' and the whole 'Dekalog' series). To me, he was an immensely gifted director, who died far too early.
While perhaps my least favourite feature film of his, that is in no way denouncing 'Blind Chance' because, while it is easy to see why viewers may be challenged by it, it is still a great film. Its weak spot is the first 20 minutes, it is slow and with too many random scenes with too many characters equally random which did confuse me. However, as someone who does not believe in bailing out on a film and who never judges a film without seeing the whole thing, being an admirer of Kieslowski I stuck with 'Blind Chance' and it was completely the right decision.
Despite its alienating start, 'Blind Spot' is typical Kieslowski and is both fascinating and rewarding.
Kieslowski's films are all visually striking and exceptionally well made. 'Blind Chance' is in no way exempted from that. As well as being beautifully shot with atmospheric use of colour to match the mood, it is gritty yet beautiful with many thoughtful and emotionally powerful images lingering long into the memory. Kieslowski's direction is quietly unobtrusive, intelligently paced and never too heavy, and the music is suitably intricate.
'Blind Chance' makes the most of its ingeniously structured story (not exactly a new concept, but one of the best uses of it, not a surprise as Kieslowski was a master of narrative construction), with typically rich themes and complex characters with compellingly real situations and relationships. It's a very thought-provoking film and is as thoroughly engaging as it is challenging, just don't be thrown off by the beginning. How it ends, which is essentially the point of the film, is very powerful. The acting is as always from Kieslowski marvellously nuanced and natural.
Overall, a great film, initially perplexing but fascinating when stuck with. Might give it another watch sometime and maybe the beginning will fare better on re-watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox
While perhaps my least favourite feature film of his, that is in no way denouncing 'Blind Chance' because, while it is easy to see why viewers may be challenged by it, it is still a great film. Its weak spot is the first 20 minutes, it is slow and with too many random scenes with too many characters equally random which did confuse me. However, as someone who does not believe in bailing out on a film and who never judges a film without seeing the whole thing, being an admirer of Kieslowski I stuck with 'Blind Chance' and it was completely the right decision.
Despite its alienating start, 'Blind Spot' is typical Kieslowski and is both fascinating and rewarding.
Kieslowski's films are all visually striking and exceptionally well made. 'Blind Chance' is in no way exempted from that. As well as being beautifully shot with atmospheric use of colour to match the mood, it is gritty yet beautiful with many thoughtful and emotionally powerful images lingering long into the memory. Kieslowski's direction is quietly unobtrusive, intelligently paced and never too heavy, and the music is suitably intricate.
'Blind Chance' makes the most of its ingeniously structured story (not exactly a new concept, but one of the best uses of it, not a surprise as Kieslowski was a master of narrative construction), with typically rich themes and complex characters with compellingly real situations and relationships. It's a very thought-provoking film and is as thoroughly engaging as it is challenging, just don't be thrown off by the beginning. How it ends, which is essentially the point of the film, is very powerful. The acting is as always from Kieslowski marvellously nuanced and natural.
Overall, a great film, initially perplexing but fascinating when stuck with. Might give it another watch sometime and maybe the beginning will fare better on re-watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox