28/01/2007

Film industry is a major threat to tradition and culture. Such claims can at times be found in the scientific pieces of writing and press articles, heard at schools, repeated by politicians and ordinary people in Polish streets. Belief in the destructiverole of cinema is particularly common among those Poles who oppose so-called commercialized McCulture.

Prophecies of the demise of printed word and Ancient-Christian inspiration often accompany the gloomy visions of the society in which reading will only serve immediate advantage. Nevertheless, most Poles find such claims unfounded.
First of all, they believe that the term ’traditional culture’ no longer applies only to the areas of activity with the past centuries or millennia long. Although comparatively new, the cinema is already seen as established part of our culture, to which it has contributed many masterpieces. A division between film and other arts in terms of artistic level and respectability is seen as alleged. Instead, the line - it is said - should be drawn between art attempting to convey meaningful messages and craft serving a financial success only.
Secondly, most people in Poland find it inaccurate to forget that there are two main kinds of films: independent low-budget pictures and commercial projects, frequently intended as blockbusters. Between these opposite ends of spectrum there are many films, makers of which neither shun financial achievements, nor renounce attempts to express their individual opinions, even against popular sentiments. Some brilliant representatives of commercialized motion picture industry are also motivated by the earnest passion for film making. Several film-makers very successful at the commercial cinema try their hand at projects of undeniable seriousness. Roman Polański, with his "Pirates" preceding "Pianist" and followed by "Revenge", is thought to be the perfect example on our Polish ground.
Finally, a thought is spared for the real rather than imagined relationship between the cinema and the rest of culture. Film industry actually cooperates with other forms of artistic activity, above all with literature, not only competes with them. Numerous adaptations of novels, short stories or plays constitute the sound evidence of it. In Polish context, it quite suffices to mention "With Sword and Fire" and "Old Tale".      

Marcin Gronowski