The Conductor 1979
Synopsis
The dramatic story of three people, for whom music became their lifelong fascination.
A young violinist Marta, studying on a grant in New York, meets John Lasocki – a famous orchestra conductor, who long ago felt a deep affection for Marta\'s mother. Old memories of the feeling revive in Lasocki\'s heart. He decides to come to Poland, to Marta\'s home town, to conduct a local orchestra performing Beethoven\'s Fifth Symphony. The orchestra\'s conductor is Marta\'s husband, Adam, who initially sees a chance for himself in the visit of the great master. On the other hand, however, he is afraid of a confrontation with an artist of such considerable stature. With time, Adam discerns also the fascination Lasocki awakens in Marta, as well as his modesty, kindness and a deep understanding of music. Consequently, a sense of vague insecurity and jealousy starts creeping into Adam\'s life, little by little developing into envy, aggression, and even hysterics. Then Lasocki dies suddenly. Marta stays with her husband, but harshly judges his conduct and character.
Awards
1980 – Berlin International Film Festival – Silver Bear for Andrzej Seweryn
1980 – San Sebastian Film Festival – FIPRESCI Award
1980 – San Sebastian Film Festival – Basque Cultural Society\'s Award
1980 – San Sebastian Film Festival – OCIC Award (Catholic Film Office)
1981 – FEST International Film Festival in Belgrade – Grand Prize
About
Year of production:
1979
Genre:
psychological drama
Premiere:
24-03-1980
Technical specs:
Barwny, 102 min.
Production:
X Film Production
Filmmakers
Directed by:
Andrzej Wajda
Written by:
Andrzej Kijowski
Cinematography by:
Sławomir Idziak
Edited by:
Halina Prugar
Music by:
Ludwig van Beethoven
Sound by:
Piotr Zawadzki
Set Decoration by:
Allan Starski
Costume Designer:
Wiesława Starska
Production Manager:
Barbara Pec-Ślesicka
Cast
John Gielgud (John Lasocki),
Krystyna Janda (Marta),
Andrzej Seweryn (Adam Pietryk, mąż Marty),
Jan Ciecierski (ojciec Marty),
Tadeusz Czechowski (pan Tadzio, skrzypek w orkiestrze),
Marek Dąbrowski (urzędnik z Wydziału Kultury),
Józef Fryźlewicz (wojewoda),
Janusz Gajos (dygnitarz z Warszawy),
Stanisław Górka (kontrabasista z orkiestry),
Jerzy Kleyn, Mary Ann Krasiński (amerykańska koleżanka Marty),
Anna Łopatowska (Anna, skrzypaczka),
Maria Seweryn (Marysia, córka Marty i Adama),
Mewis Walker (Lilian, żona Lasockiego),
Wojciech Wysocki (Kwiatkowski, skrzypek w orkiestrze),
Stanisław Zatłoka (pan Rysio, członek orkiestry),
Centralny Zespół Artystyczny Wojska Polskiego (orkiestra symfoniczna),