ATKK-DEK-0-010

Typescript with Krzysztof Kieślowski’s text titled “a few remarks for the English edition of the ‘Decalogue’ screenplays” concerning the television film cycle “Decalogue” (1988-1989) directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski, based on screenplays by Krzysztof Kieślowski and Krzysztof Piesiewicz, produced by the Tor Film Studio. The document takes the form of a multi-page continuous prose essay in which the author – writing for the English publisher of the screenplays – explains the origins of the cycle and his own creative path, from his years working in documentary film, through the experience of martial law and attempts to film political processes, to meeting and collaborating with Krzysztof Piesiewicz on the film “No End”, and finally to the decision to make “Decalogue”. The author describes, among other things, the role of chance in life, the circumstances surrounding the idea for a cycle of ten films inspired by the Ten Commandments, relations with Polish Television (the project as a potential opportunity for young directors to debut), as well as key artistic choices: abandoning direct politics and journalism, focusing on emotions, passions, and the protagonists’ “borderline situations”. setting the action in a contemporary housing estate, and adopting a consciously non-moralizing attitude toward the Commandments. The text also includes comparative reflections and remarks on the reception of “Decalogue” in Poland and abroad. The typescript serves as an authorial commentary and a kind of preface to the screenplays of the cycle, revealing the historical, political, and creative context of one of the most important projects in Kieślowski’s career. Other versions of this document bear the signatures ATKK-DEK-0-011 and ATKK-DEK-0-017.