Cold War
It’s been far too long since I sat down and wrote anything
about films. Knowing how cathartic writing is for me, I came back! In the light
of recent events, the protests and the true meaning behind them, I have decided
that it is finally time that I take pride in my heritage, I have finally
decided to truly own my identity, and what better way to do it than doing it
through something I love- films. Accepting my nationality didn’t always come
easy to me, but today I am proud of the Polish side in me. I am immensely proud
of the achievements of Nobel Prize winning Polish writers, Academy Award
winning directors, exceptional filmmakers, musicians and scientists. Because of
the anti-racist movement, after years of facing prejudice and judgment, there
is no ounce of shame in me to come from a different country, a vibrant country full
of diversity, culture, historic architecture and not to forget, the delightful
food!
I have decided to dedicate more time to watching Polish
films, and by that learning more about the place that I come from. Among the prestigious
group of exceptional directors, we find Paweł Pawlikowski, a 2019 Academy Award
winner for his film, Cold War- a poignant portrayal of love in a post war
communist state. I remember how tremendously proud I felt when Pawlikowski, won
this award, and while the Academy Awards are in some ways viewed as problematic
and controversial, nevertheless it was a first win for Poland and something worthy of celebration. In addition,
knowing that this particular film was an ode to his parents, made it extra
special.
Set in the 50s in a communist regime, two people find love
in the bleakness of day and through the passion for music. With elegant and exquisite
imagery and symbolism, the film reads like a picture book; old worn out photos
of a time long forgotten by the world.
From the first shot, it is clear to see the harshness and
the pain of the post war reality. There is no room for freethinkers and
nonconformists, no place for people yearning for freedom, or independence; obedience
is the fuse that powers the government. Defiance is met with dreadful
consequences. The existential fear creeping in while the government spreads its
propaganda; the main tool used in oppression, feeding society with a utopic ideology,
that couldn’t be further from the truth. In contrast of the Stalin backdrop,
the iron curtain, we meet Wiktor and Zula. A musical director, looking for new
talent to join the state sponsored folk sing and dance group, Mazurek, and a pretty
blonde full of wit and character, conning her way into the auditions. The film follows
their bittersweet romance, their coupling and uncoupling, which plays out in
the space of 15 years. The star crossed
lovers differ in many aspects, making their romance almost impossible, representing
the societal situation of the people; the impossible escape from the regime.
Taking the opportunity to escape the oppression and exploitation, Wiktor, moves
to Paris and reinvents himself as a Jazz pianist, while Zula bails on the
hopeful escape plan, only to reunite with her lover in Paris, years later while
enjoying her stardom in Poland. One of the reoccurring themes throughout the
film is the binary opposition. The divergence between the characters; Wiktor is
contend and reserved, while Zula is impulsive and unpredictable , the powerful contrast
of two worlds, one communist state and one full of freedom and opportunity,
obedience vs. defiance, highlighted further by the monochrome tone.
The stylistic choices of Pawlikowski, provoke such an
intense response within the audience. The haunting nature of the regime is
reflected through the black and white imagery, the lack of colours adds to the
hopelessness of the people, intertwined with the atmospheric and soul piercing
melodies, the folklore costumes, the straight cut dominion; the lack of colour
representing the depression of humanity. Polish folklore is rich in colour,
patterns and symbols, and by taking away the colours, the film highlights the
strict regime depriving people of the beauty of everyday life- the vibrancy and
freedom of expression. Yet, still, even in black and white, the folkloric aspects
that grace our screen are breathtakingly beautiful. The film asks us, the
audience, whether love can truly conquer all. The ending of the film further
reinforces the idea of the ‘impossible’ the unfathomable love, the love that
had no place to exist, but a love so strong and powerful, nevertheless torn and
withered, and it is love that wins in the end. Wiktor and Zula, couldn’t find
their happiness in the clouded reality, but love conquered all, even in all its
tragedy, in the tragedy of death, in their suicide vows, it was love that won
in its fatal and deadly way.
Cold War, resonates with me so powerfully due to the theme
of national identity; finding the meaning of being Polish, finding one's place
in a world that doesn’t cater for all. Presenting us with a bittersweet love
story- a love story set in a rather unorthodox environment, as it is certainly
not your conventional Hollywood romance, the film questions the importance of patriotism and sacrifice,
the value of love and the quest of finding oneself. Having ran away from
Poland, Wiktor and Zula, reconcile the passionate, yet, rather dysfunctional
romance in Paris. They seem to be living the dream; however, through the highs
and the lows, a satisfactory climax is never met. This heavily reflects the
emotional state of the characters and the struggle of dealing with their
national identity. Wiktor, is told he isn’t Polish anymore, having ran away, he
dishonoured Poland, and the government. The theme of national identity plays
strongly with the idea of sacrifice, whether it is for one's country, identity,
or simply for love. Zula, is faced with a hard to miss opportunity to become a
singer in France, happiness is finally tangible, yet, both Wiktor, and more so,
Zula, struggle in accepting their realities.
One of the most evoking and
powerful scenes in the film, takes place in a café in Paris, where Zula, sings
a sad love song while the melancholic melodies play, the camera slowly paces
around, lingering on the sorrow and sadness of the music. Zula’s smooth, yet
heartbroken voice, lingers in the air like cigarette smoke. Longing for her
home, finding solace in music, Zula, struggles to fit in. She is misplaced and vulnerable;
something that her strong persona finds difficult. Singing in French has no
magic, as the words, no matter how well translated from her Polish lyrics, hold
little meaning for Zula. In result, she gives up her chance of true freedom,
the relationship which was doomed from the start once again ceases to exist.
Her heart is being pulled in all directions, between her true love, the longing
for freedom and the yearning for her homeland. Additionally, in many aspects, I
found it rather ironic that, Zula, is an embodiment of a Jean-Luc Goddard’s leading
lady, a French madmazel, she fits so well in the backdrop of French music and
culture, yet, still, her longing overpowered all the chances she had at a new
life. Furthermore, the choices of the protagonists, highlight the deeply rooted
conditioning of the communist state and the conditioned fear of its people; fearing anything outside the harsh realities,
always coming back to what they know best, even if its dark, emotionless and dripping in sadness. The instability of Zula, her mental state, and even just her personality,
also represents the unstable structure of the communist state.
This particular theme of missing one’s home country
pulls a string in my heart. Moving as a child to a new country, struggling with
my own identity, spending years trying to fit in and having to face reality
with a certain longing, accompanied by a sense of nostalgia for my childhood
that can never be erased. After years of making a new country my home, it
didn’t get easier missing my homeland. My little city holds a special place in
my heart, always. Today, I can say I have two homes, in many ways that’s empowering,
but in many ways it brings more sorrow, as no matter where you are, one country
or the other, the dreaded feeling of longing comes creeping in. Even as I sit
here now and I write this, a tear rolls down my face, picturing my little home
town where I ran around as a little girl, never imagining that 15 years later I
would be living in a different country, surrounded by a different culture.
However, isn’t it beautiful to be surrounded by so many different cultures, having
this amazing opportunity to learn and explore different worlds, even if there
is that one special place on earth, where if you had a chance, you would pack
your bags and run there without hesitation, without any doubts, just to be
present not just in thought, but in reality.
Cold War, is visually and aesthetically stunning. The melodies
that echo in the background, add to the atmospheric touch. While the film is
heavy at times, portraying the brutal realties of a communist regime, it gives
hope. In the bleakest way, the film still left me feeling hopeful and
appreciative of the wonders of art, music, love and poetry. Moreover, it left
me feeling at peace with my own national identity, finally. The importance of
art, especially in the form of music, is so heavily integrated in the films message.
The film portrays that music has the power to bring people together, people of different
backgrounds, of different worlds; it is music that connects us. I have always possessed
such a strong respect for all forms of art, music in particular, and this film
further reinforced my love and appreciation for all the beautiful things that
this world has to offer. Perhaps Wiktor and Zula, were doomed from the start,
even if there was every reason for them not to be together, through music, they
always found a way back to each other. I am so in awe of the poignant boldness
of the films, the rich symbolism, contrasted with the film’s intelligent simplicity. Perhaps
this isn’t the love story that leaves you feeling blissful, but love doesn’t
always have a happy ending, which in the end, makes it more precious when
found.
Written by Anna Gaszkowska
