1) Relate what was discussed in class or the text to the screening.

As discussed in class, French cinema consists of a variety of notable directors from foreign
nations due to France being a focal point in the world of art. This is exemplified by Polish
director Krzysztof Kieślowski’s critically acclaimed French film Three Colors: Blue. Although
Kieślowski’s country of origin is Poland, he is recognized for his contributions to French cinema.

We also discussed how the color blue was prominently displayed throughout the film. The most
pronounced example of this theme is when the main character, Julie, discards all her possessions
after a life altering fatal accident. The only item she kept was a blue glass chandelier that was in
her daughter’s room. Julie also often swims in a pool with the particular lighting that deliberately
highlights the blue color of the water.

Another point of discussion was the strategic use of the film score and how it literally interacted
with the plot of the story. Sound plays a major role in the film. There is a whole entire scene
where Julie hears a fight taking place in her building where dialogue is almost not present at all.
The audio of the altercation is what moves the narrative along.

The minimal use of dialogue lends a strong emphasis on the images and sounds of the film. This
is very indicative of French film making, as it clashes with more the more obvious approaches of
a more conservative, western style. The opening scene itself sets up the movie with little talking
involved. The images and sounds set the tones and represent themes.

Kieślowski’s proficient use of these sensibilities is what allows him to tell a story through a
larger scope, rather than heavily relying on dialogue or obvious actions to tell the story. This
allows for a much more interpretive audience experience.

2) Find a related article and summarize the content.

Hal Hinson of The Washington Post marvels at how Kieślowski pieces together the story of Blue
in a delicately nuanced manner. The films heavy themes of liberty and grief are conceptualized
in a series of contexts that are more complex than they seem. This results in a more intricate
audience experience. Even though the story itself can seem rudimentary in nature, it unfolds in
such an opaque way that it can perceived in an open-ended frame.

Hinson also comments on how this arcane style of direction remains prevalent throughout
Kieślowski’s career and is a trademark of his work. Blue sits as a trilogy of films (White and
Red) that analyzes France’s “three colors” ideology that is represented in the country’s colors of
their flag. Blue is a comment on the ideal of liberty.

3) Apply the article to the film screened in class.

The article was very much aligned to how I felt about Blue. The film was intentionally designed
to be somewhat ambiguous, which elicits a more mindful viewing. You mainly know what is
going on in the plot through context clues of images and sounds.
Hinson concludes that even though the film does resolve the conflict it presents, there still lingers
a sense of desolation for Julie. This is congruent with the theme of the film, as it depicts feelings
of grief and liberty as complex feelings that can be interwoven within each other. I feel as if this
is an accurate portrayal of the essence of the Blue.

4) Write a critical analysis of the film, including your personal opinion, formed as a result of the
screening, class discussions, text material and the article.

Krzysztof Kieślowski’s Blue is truly an artful piece of cinema. His talent lies within telling a
story that has your eyes, ears and mind working in unison to piece together his well crafted
implicitness. The film moves slowly and simply, fermenting in to a tastefully obscured dramatic
feature.

Blue is a ringing example of Kieślowski’s skillful directing abilities. It is akin to the likes of a
well-trained Jazz musician, playing just the right notes at the right time when you least expect it.
This film’s critical acclaim is well warranted and it continues to be discussed over 20 years after
its release.

"Blue" Movie Review By Hal Hinson of The Washington Post

Hinson, Hal. “Blue” The Washington Post. March 4th, 1994. Web. February 6th, 2018.

CHECKLIST FOR PLAGIARISM

1) ( X ) I have not handed in this assignment for any other class.

2) ( X ) If I reused any information from other papers I have written for other classes, I clearly
explain that in the paper.

3) ( X ) If I used any passages word for word, I put quotations around those words, or used
indentation and citation within the text.

4) ( X ) I have not padded the bibliography. I have used all sources cited in the bibliography in
the text of the paper.

5) ( X ) I have cited in the bibliography only the pages I personally read.

6) ( X ) I have used direct quotations only in cases where it could not be stated in another way. I
cited the source within the paper and in the bibliography.

7) ( X ) I did not so over-use direct quotations that the paper lacks interpretation or originality.

8) ( X ) I checked yes on steps 1-7 and therefore have been fully transparent about the research
and ideas used in my paper.

Name: Joseph Lanza Date: February 6th, 201