Can’t believe I’m already here. This ninth installment of the Decalogue series provides a challenging and fascinating story as the series reaches its end. Centering on a husband and wife, this film tackles the commandment, “Thou shall not covet,” but not in the way you’d expect. When Roman learns that he is physically unable to satisfy his wife, he is sent into a dark and depressive state assuming his wife, Hanka, will leave him. Hanka however affirms her love for him and says their love is more than physical, but Roman insists she find someone else to please her regardless. In some sort of strange off screen agreement, they both accept the fact that Hanka will see another man while staying married to Roman. Weird, but sad. Both characters want the best for each other, and you get the sense that Hanka only acts this way to make her husband feel better, as the guilt she faces from these actions far outweigh the pleasure. In a strange cat and mouse routine, Roman spies on his wife and her new lover, fueling his rejection and hurt. At this point, both of them know of the affair, but never discuss it. As the story progresses, we see a broken Roman coveting the one thing he can’t have, his wife; and it’s heartbreaking. Hanka feels this same heartbreak and does everything she can to convince Roman her love is real for him, but it becomes harder and harder to believe. Another element is that Hanka’s new lover, an immature jock, begins to fall in love with her, not understanding the true meaning of their meetings. Kieslowski makes us think, who’s really do the coveting? Who is actually guilty of breaking this commandment? Which one (if any) is worse? These questions don’t have easy answers. Whew. What a story.
It’s also worth noting that Kieslowski brilliantly captures Roman’s struggle visually with many repeated metaphors: framing him through glass (a symbol that he can only watch and never touch), framing Hanka in smaller frames, and even something as simple as showing a broken glove box repeatedly. In this film, and most of the other Decalogue’s, it’s the small details that give authenticity to these peoples lives, and allows me to feel like I know them so well through just a snapshot of their whole struggle. This one is loaded with things to dissect, and I could definitely see myself revisiting this as a stand-alone film in the future just to watch again. Great stuff.
One more to go.