Films of Krzysztof Kieslowski: The Liminal Image [Hardcover]

Joseph Kickasola (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 082641558X | ISBN-13: 978-0826415585 | Publication Date: June 22, 2004

Perhaps the greatest European director of the last 30 years, Krzsztof Kieslowski created a remarkable body of work in a relatively short period of time. His films are loved around the world for their dramatic power and consummate artistry. Kieslowski's cinematic style stands apart in several important respects: his mastery of abstract imagery, his innovative use of sound and his deliberate circumvention of standard cinematic codes. Unlike many other "art" directors - who often fail to rise above commentary on the medium itself - Kieslowski uses these stylistic liberties to explore his philosophical concerns: fate, God, suffering, and love. Through close analysis of films like The Decalogue, The Double Life of Veronique, Blue, White and Red, Joe Kickasola identifies the unique qualities, and artistic legacy, of this great director.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the great virtues of Kickasola's book is the seriousness with which it takes Kieslowski's own seriousness about the possibility of transcendence. " -Chronicle of Higher Education, February 18, 2005

"At a time when film theory and criticism is dominated by socio-political approaches, Joseph Kickasola's The Films of Krzysztof Kieslowski: The Liminal Image is a bold and refreshing endeavor….It is clear that [Kickasola's] principal concerns are metaphysical and formal, daring to ask the Big Universal questions concerning free will, morality, and the possibility of trancendence, now often considered unfashionable or passe in some academic circles." --Caroline Joan (Kay) Picart, The Review of Communication, Volume 4, Nos. 3-4, July-October 2004

“Kickasola’s readings go into more detail than any other critical book on Kieslowski….Kickasola pays the masterful Kieslowski the very particular and careful attention he deserves….highly recommended.” –Choice, January 2005 (Choice )

“One of the great virtues of Kickasola's book is the seriousness with which it takes Kieslowski's own seriousness about the possibility of transcendence." -Chronicle of Higher Education, 2/18/05

“Stanley Kubrick held this late director in awe…find out why!” –www.jagnew.com Best of 2004, April2005

“…add[s] significantly to the growing literature and critical dialogue on the films of Kieslowski…extensively researched and cogently expressed…should be of interest to bright cineastes with a particular interest in Kieslowski along with scholars and students engaged in the study of film, cultural studies, and Slavic languages and literatures.” – Slavic Review, Fall 2005

About the Author

Joe Kickasola is Assistant Professor of Communication Studies at Baylor University.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Continuum (June 22, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082641558X
• ISBN-13: 978-0826415585
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,604,957 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Theoretical, Very Insightful, April 12, 2008

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Old Prof (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: The Films of Krzysztof Kieslowski: The Liminal Image (Paperback)

I have read both Insdorf's and Haltof's books on Kieslowski. Insdorf gives good overviews and Haltof is useful especially for Polish background. But for insights into specific films, Kickasola is the most useful.

The opening section of theoretical background, some 90 pages long, is difficult reading. Kickasola seems determined to impress us with how knowledgeable he is about theories of cognition and art. His basic point is that Kieslowski, especially in the later films, is seeking an idea of transcendence--something beyond ordinary reality--and expresses that search through abstract images. Those images force us to see the world in new ways and appeal to us on a pre-rational level.

Then when he gets into discussing specific films, Kickasola is brilliant. He picks out detail after detail and makes wonderfully insightful comments that send you back to re-view the films. If you're a casual film buff, read Insdorf: she's intelligent and interesting. But if you have a serious interest in Kieslowski, you must read Kickasola. (Check the book out from the library first and read on one of the individual films. That's what I did, and then immediately bought the book.)

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The in-between..., January 7, 2007

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Jean Cheung "thatthisforexample" (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Films of Krzysztof Kieslowski: The Liminal Image (Paperback)

This is a great book for one who is looking for an easy-to-understand but in-depth analysis of Kieslowski's various films. Although the most recent trilogy is yet to be incorporated into this text, this book nonetheless serves as both a foundation and structure for studies on the 'transcendental' image. This book also cites varying philosophers and important literary figures. A good sum-up point would be the fact that almost all characters, as described by the author, are in between something, usually dichotomies, like life and death.