Michal Toporny is a poor country boy whose determination and hard work help him climb the social ladder and become the head of a large factory in the city. But at what cost?
“The Dancing Hawk” from 1977 is the second film from Polish director Grzegorz Królikiewicz that Radiance Films has released on Blu-ray Disc that I’ve reviewed, following last year’s release of his 1973 feature “Through and Through.” Like “Through and Through,” “The Dancing Hawk” is obtuse and avant-garde. The storytelling is difficult to follow as we are subjected to abstract cinematography and dissonant sound design. Królikiewicz doesn’t take the time to ground anything for his viewers, forcing us to parse what’s going on at every step. This experience only grows more frustrating as the film wears on.
That’s not to say that “The Dancing Hawk” is entirely without merit. The film, said to be inspired by Orson Welles’ “Citizen Kane,” features unique, visceral cinematography by Zbigniew Rybczyński. The compositions are frequently jarring (and at times unpleasant). Some early shots are unnecessary — do we really need to see someone inappropriately touching an infant or an extended shot of a chicken getting its head chopped off? And this is coming from someone who likes “Cannibal Holocaust.” Nonetheless, the shots are the most interesting aspect of this grueling film.
Radiance Films’ Limited Edition release sources the film from a “4K restoration by Filmoteka Narodowa.” The results are outstanding. Picture quality is filmic, with no dirt or debris. Audio is clear and crisp, though jarring at times—no complaints on this film’s transfer.
Disc extras include two short films from cinematographer Zbigniew Rybczyński — “Soup” and “Oh! I Can’t Stop!”— and an interview with Carmen Gray. Gray’s interview contextualizes, offering some insight into what’s going on in the film and in Poland during the period. Given the confusion in following the story, I’d argue it is best to start with her interview before watching the film. The limited edition also includes a booklet with writing from Piotr Kletowski.
Altogether, Radiance has put together another fine package. The film, no matter what you think of it, looks and sounds fantastic, and the compiled supplemental material helps to ground Królikiewicz’s work. While Królikiewicz’s films are not for me, the disc is well done. Obviously, I’m not giving a hearty recommendation, but if you enjoy avant-garde cinema, you will most likely enjoy this work.
Now available on Limited Edition Blu-ray from RADIANCE FILMS
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