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Frontiers in Art Research, 2023, 5(18); doi: 10.25236/FAR.2023.051804.

Camera Language and Composition in Man of Marble (1977) by Andrzej Wajda

Author(s)

Wenyuan Zhao

Corresponding Author:
Wenyuan Zhao
Affiliation(s)

School of Arts & Creative Technologies, University of York, York, YO10 5FZ, UK

Abstract

This analysis delves into the film Man of Marble by Andrzej Wajda, focusing on camera language and composition to depict the transformation of the protagonist, Birkut. Using low-angle shots, the film symbolizes Birkut's shift from conformity to defiance in the socialist system. The composition of frames emphasizes his evolving identity, particularly when he stands up for justice, only to be silenced and isolated by the crowd. The camera work and composition highlight the profound changes in Birkut's identity, as he becomes alienated from the submissive society. Wajda's film masterfully employs visual storytelling to convey these themes.

Keywords

Andrzej Wajda, Polish Film, Camera Languages, Identity, Low-angle lens, Socialist system

Cite This Paper

Wenyuan Zhao. Camera Language and Composition in Man of Marble (1977) by Andrzej Wajda. Frontiers in Art Research (2023) Vol. 5, Issue 18: 18-24. https://doi.org/10.25236/FAR.2023.051804.

References

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[2] Schuppert, F. (2006). Andrzej Wajda's A Generartion and Man of Marble. Kinema: A Journal for Film and Audiovisual Media. Available at: https://openjournals.uwaterloo.ca/index.php/kinema/article/view/1135/1360 [Accessed: 11 August 2023]

[3] Yakir, D. (1984). 'Interview: Andrzej Wajda', Film Comment. Available at: https://www.filmcomment.com/article/interview-andrzej-wajda/  [Accessed: 23 July 2023]

[4] Insdorf, A. (1983). Indelible Shadows: Film and the Holocaust. New York. Random. Available at: https://archive.org/details/indelibleshadows00insd [Accessed: 11 August 2023]

[5] Lewis, C. and Britch, C. (1986). Andrzej Wajda’s War Trilogy: A Retrospective. Film Criticism, 10(3), pp. 22–35. Available at: http://www.jstor.org/stable/44018814 [Accessed: 7 July 2023].