Review of A Short Film About Killing (1988) by Amro G — 02 May 2009

One of the highlights from Kieslowski's Decalogue series. The impact of this searing film (it picked up the 1988 Cannes Palme d'Or) stems from the gratuitous violence of the taxi driver's murder and the main protagonist's execution, both of which are filmed in a matter of act almost documentary fashion and stripped of any sentiment or over dramatization.

The film shows the fulll range of Kieslowski's cinematic genius; the moving camera, scenes photgraphed at unconventional angles, mirror shots, meticulous attention to detail (e.g the horse turning its head to look at the unfolding murder scene) and sparse dialogue that unravels the narrative slowly.

He always assumed the audience would feel challenged by his work though he never patronised them. He once remarked to his biographer that walking out halfway through this particular movie, or throwing up after watching it, was the right response.