Camera Buff 1979 ‧ Drama
Camera Buff (Amator) [1979]
Dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski
Country: Poland | Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
IMDb: 7.9/10 | Rotten Tomatoes : 90%
Letterboxd: 4.1/5 | PERSONAL : 9/10
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Cinema - the screen with an average of 24 frames per second is like magic, magic, beauty. Which effortlessly binds its viewer in an invisible bond. Made as a member of that fictional reality. Where the life system of the society is filmed under the cover of imagination - the social-political situation, personal-family ups and downs, analysis of philosophy-viewpoint-values, truth and magic world are revealed. So the framed world strongly resonates with the inner soul of the individual. Brings change in perspective, thinking. In particular, when a person becomes addicted to the influence of cinema, it often compromises life, family, and daily life activities. Kieslowski's wide-ranging work around the overwhelming power of cinema, the power of cinema, the beauty of cinema and life-livelihood-reality—
The legendary Polish director's second theatrical feature. And in the meantime, he has shown his Munciana from both technical and thematic sides. At the same time, he has eloquently expressed his deep understanding of the world, his deep review of human nature, morality and weakness. His keen observation of this spiritual and human side is evident in this charming early career satirical drama.
NO SPOILER
Seemingly camera buff movie with very simple story. The story takes a special complication. This is just the story of an ordinary family living in the director's birthplace, Warsaw Where there is no particular problem, there is no monopollution. There is only love, silence and tranquility. But that quiet family life takes a turn when the protagonist begins to explore his passion. In such a simple context, Kieslowski analyzed Human Behaviour-Nature with only a single camera. He dissected the individual's responsibility, duty and moral values. Filmed as an individual (artist) on complex issues like responsibility towards family, maintaining balance between life and livelihood, maintaining relationships and self-satisfaction.
Camera buffs are all about obsession and seduction. With one's interest in one's particular work, the movie deftly reveals the ultimate truth, human nature. Questions about how individuals are affected, how people change under different pretexts, why priorities change, causes of mismatches in the calculation of wants, about the duration of self-realization. Without reaching a conclusion of right or wrong, the movie brilliantly shows the practical and moral compromises along the way, portraying moral dilemmas. Due to which even the most simple-straightforward scene is embellished in a complex and universal form.
The Polish director has simultaneously told personal, family, social, economic, political stories. He tells the story of life as everything is told in parallel with equal importance. He shows one man's journey of self-reinvention. At the same time, he highlighted the socio-economic condition of Poland - then communist Poland. In the perfect screenwriting, every single act seems to be the common man's life. It also interestingly portrays the class system, bureaucracy, stifling freedom of speech and creative practice. (Great to see - Kieszlowski is also a big fan of Ken Loach!!!)
Camera Buff is Kieslowski's own undeclared autobiography. In which he spoke about the problems faced by his growing age. Highlighted the unpleasant experience of making documentaries at the beginning of his career. Already making short documentaries like Dudgeon, Kieslowski realizes that everything is political. eloquently portrays the socio-political oppression that artists have to face due to their depiction of social problems. The moral responsibility in documentary filmmaking and the desire to capture social events objectively is difficult to manage in reality, as the director narrates from his own life experience. Political restrictions, the gruesome bureaucracy of communist Poland, and film censorship essentially forced him to make features.
Such great filmmaking at such a young age of career is undoubtedly impressive. Honestly there is a lot of talking/writing in this movie. Abundant enough in terms of themes. Human qualities and political aspects - the movie has handled almost everything perfectly. The main attraction of the camera buff is its character. It can be said that it is a complete character study. The writing of the ups and downs of the characters, the emotional complexity, the addiction to explore—all are real and relatable. The plot of the movie is simple but powerful. Hand held cinematography with natural lighting, gloomy atmosphere makes it more impressive. Along with solid screenplay, skillful direction, Camera Buff is undoubtedly an excellent thought provoking analysis on philosophy, values, filmmaking. Spend almost the entire time in a sort of tizzy, compulsively thinking about your daily life. Being in an uncomfortable situation and asking what should be done and what I have been doing.
Comedy Satirical Drama Camera Buff A cinephile's innermost soul! The beauty and hypnotic power of the movie is revealed! Inspiration for an aspiring filmmaker! This is a story of self-discovery, an artist's moral duty! Dissection of the nature and use of mankind! It describes the socio-economic conditions of Poland at that time! Krzysztof Kieslowski is a very personal movie! Overall the movie warns us about our nature, about our own lives.Finally, Beware of Camera Buff's truths — don't let them drain your life.