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Embracing the darkness: Journey into the making of “Night Silence”
Polish cinema has a new gem in its crown, one that comes with a powerful blend of intense emotions and eerie horror. In “Night Silence”, director Bartosz M. Kowalski navigates the story of Lucjan, portrayed by the late Maciej Damięcki, a retired actor moved into a nursing home by his son. This residence holds more secrets than it appears, bringing a chilling subtext to the forefront.
A poignant performance lost too soon
During production, Damięcki delivered a compelling performance as a dying actor. Heartbreakingly, this portrayal mirrored real life as he passed away before the film’s premiere. Damięcki was posthumously honored at the Polish Film Festival, a testament to his profound impact on the film and audience alike. “It was emotional for all of us,” Kowalski admits, revealing how attached everyone became to Damięcki’s vibrant presence on the set. Despite tackling heavy themes, Damięcki brought a light atmosphere, often joking, singing, and even dancing between takes.
“I quickly understood he had to play the main character. It was love at first sight,” Kowalski shares. The director’s sentiment reflects not just on a professional choice but an emotional connection that shaped the film profoundly. This blend of emotional depth and horror became the essence of Night Silence.
Navigating challenges and reflections
“Night Silence” is a notable departure from Kowalski’s previous work, including his slasher Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight and its sequel, as well as the horror Hellhole. Kowalski aimed to create something deeply personal and reflective. He acknowledges the significant obstacles, particularly the challenges of working with a largely elderly cast and the dark subject matter. ”Closing the budget was a real horror,” he says, appreciating the film’s existence despite the hurdles.
The narrative of “Night Silence” is inspired by Kowalski’s own family experiences, prompting him to frequently ponder themes of death and aging. ”Passing away, for me, has to do with more than just aging. It’s these slow, inevitable changes that occur in the body, the mind, relationships, and even the world around us,” he explains. These reflections are captured in the character of Lucjan, who represents a collective wish for our passing to signify more than just an end—an adventure waiting at the road’s end.
Blazing new trails in Polish horror cinema
Despite the complexities and challenges, Kowalski continues to blaze the trail for horror in Poland almost single-handedly. “After a fifth film, I still feel a bit like a misguided knight.” Historically, genres like horror, fantasy, and sci-fi have been marginal in Polish cinema, but streaming platforms have expanded opportunities for experimentation. Support from the Polish Film Institute marks a significant shift, suggesting a growing curiosity and interest in these genres.
Kowalski collaborated with Mirella Zaradkiewicz and Paweł Maślona on the script, bringing a fresh perspective to the Polish audience accustomed to the “cinema of moral anxiety.” Zaradkiewicz, a long-time collaborator, played a crucial role in bringing “Night Silence” to life through her perseverance and talent.
The enduring allure of horror
Kowalski’s passion for horror began early, scripting his first horror story at thirteen. “I have no idea where this love for the genre comes from,” he muses. Authenticity is paramount in horror, allowing filmmakers to explore various emotions deeply and genuinely. Kowalski is committed to exploring these dark corners of the human experience, expressing his desire to continue creating horror films.
“Night Silence” highlights not just the talents of its cast and crew but also the growing acceptance and evolution of horror as a legitimate and compelling genre within Polish cinema.
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By blending emotional depth with horror elements, Night Silence stands as a pivotal film in Polish cinema, pushing boundaries and redefining genre expectations. This narrative showcases Kowalski’s unique vision and his relentless pursuit of authenticity in storytelling.
