 10/10/1991 |
The madness in the evil eye
On Tuesday, October 15, the Antwerp film club 'Het kwade oog' will screen the little-known classic 'Matka Joanna od Aniostow' (Mother Joanna of the Angels) by Polish director Jerzy Kawalerowicz, from 1961. At the time of its premiere, the film won a Jury Prize at Cannes and also caused much indignation in Catholic circles. The director replied that the film deals with human nature and its self-defense against imposed restrictions and dogmas. Thirty years later, it is easier to detect this more general anti-authoritarian tendency in a story that can be characterized as a psychological vampire tale. The action takes place in the seventeenth century, in a convent plagued by a massive case of demonic possession. Following an escalation of the madness, a confrontation ensues between the exorcist priest and the Mother Superior. Opposite her resistance-through-seduction, he presents his Fall as a sacrifice. Does damnation bring redemption? The film presents the viewer with the Last Judgment. The pre-program features two short films by Kieslowski. In "The Night Watchman's Standpoint" (1978), he gives a voice to a twisted man, the perfect servant of the totalitarian system. In "Speaking Years/Speaking Heads" (1980), a whole series of people speak, answering two questions: Who are you? and: What would you most like? A simple concept with a far-reaching elaboration: the desires for freedom and justice stand in opposition to feelings of frustration and powerlessness. (P.B.) Screening on Tuesday, October 15, 8:00 PM, at the A.M.V.C. (Minderbroederstraat 22, Antwerp). Reservations: 03/ 236.82 59 or 234.16.40 | |
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