Tomasz Bagiński and “The Kinematograph”

Last updated on: January 15, 2015 at 4:36 pm by Joseph Susanka

Tomasz Bagiński and “The Kinematograph” 2015-01-15T16:36:30-07:00 Joseph Susanka

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Polish animator Tomasz Bagiński has been on my radar ever since the day I accidentally stumbled across his visually stunning Katedra. I can’t remember the details of my fortuitous discovery, but the short definitely caught my attention; it was gorgeous, atmospheric, and a bit disturbing. Hunting down his subsequent short, Fallen Art, I found it nowhere near as gorgeous or atmospheric, and a whole lot more disturbing. But just as unforgettable. (His debut piece, Deszcz, is as rough as one might expect from a first-timer, but the attention to detail, visual flair, and probing, unsettling focus are present even there.)

Ever since that time, I’ve been trying to get my hands on his 2009 offering, The Kinematograph, but for the past 3+ years, I’d had to sooth my cravings with little more than the trailer and some gorgeous stills. Now, thanks to Platige (the production company that has long partnered with Bagiński in bringing his visions to fruition), it is available HERE in wonderful HD. (I can’t embed it here, so yes, you have to go to their website to watch it. And yes, it’s worth it. Very much so. I promise.)

Stylistically and technologically, it’s mind-blowing. But it is also very beautiful. And very sad. And for me, at least, an important reminder that what I’m doing must not overwhelm my ability to recognize who is there while I’m doing it. Bagiński’s Kinematograph summary says that “Dreams always cost too much.” I don’t think that’s true; not really. But dreams at the expense of those I’m dreaming for will always cost too much.

Wow. I would love to see what Bagiński could do with a feature-length piece. Next time we’re trying to decide if we should pour millions upon millions into the trite story of an anthropomorphic gastropod, let’s just give him the money instead. We won’t be sorry.

For those who are still not convinced they want to invest the 12 minutes, here’s a trailer. Please, people! I’m beggin’ you!

Attribution(s): All artwork, publicity images, and stills are the property of Platige and all respective creators and/or distributors.

Quodlibets

Previous Post

January 23, 2014

The One Where Safeway Tries Its Hand at Algorithms and Unintentional Hilarity Ensues

Next Post

January 27, 2014 WANTED: A Familiar Version of "Ge Mig En Dag"

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Art Baseball Faith Family Lenten Music Movies Music No Commentary Necessary Parked By the Jukebox Photography Politics Quodlibets Streaming Video Suggestions Summa Short Films Television The Man Behind the Booth Through a Lens, Darkly

Select a Month December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 July 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 November 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz