This is the first Krzysztof Zanussi film I've seen. He has a certain style that draws you into the greyness of the film atmosphere. In the beginning, I felt the film was moving too fast but only after a while, I noticed the rhythm. The rhythm of the film keeps things interesting and never drags on. You feel that you can be Witold's only companion without prejudice. It is difficult trying to be honest in a world where honesty is absurd. Witold never accepts the circumstances as they are, he doesn't "go with the flow." This doesn't mean, however, that he is without dreams. He is the biggest dreamer amongst them. He believes he has a debt to pay to his parents. He never betrays and never lies throughout the film. He does accept the help of others but offers his own whenever he can. All of this told without poking you in the eye. In the end, his desire to climb the Himalayas is replaced by hanging off buildings as a demolisher. The last scene of the film is abrupt but lingers on in front of your eyes after cutting to the recurring aerial Himalaya shot. There couldn't have been a more fitting ending to such a powerful film.
Review of The Constant Factor
