The Structure of Crystal

Jan and Marek studied physics together at university. Marek became a successful scientist, works abroad, and is at the peak of his career. Jan left the academy and chose to work at a meteorological station in the country, living in a small house with his wife. Marek comes to visit. Over a few days they walk, talk, play chess, and in fact argue a single question: which of them is living correctly. This is Krzysztof Zanussi's first feature. The narrative builds no plot; it proceeds through argument, silence, and snow. Zanussi trained in physics, and the film's interest is less in scientific achievement than in whether measurable success determines a person's worth. It counts as an early example of the cinema of moral concern in Poland. Who it's for: Viewers who like Polish cinema, drama built on ideas, and quiet narratives. Who it's not for: It is almost entirely talk and nothing happens. The woman's place in the narrative is also narrow.