Knife in the water

Knife in the water is a 1961 film directed by Roman Polański. This movie has universal themes, and is totally independent from country or time. This picture was at first feature-length film of Polański, written by Jakub Goldberg and Jerzy Skolimowski. It is a classic thriller. Knife in the water is very intimate because there play only three actors in the film. It is kind of morality play. Regarding the plot: “Andrzej, a sports journalist, and his wife Krystyna, are driving in their luxurious car for a day’s holiday in the Masurian Lakeland. On the way they give a lift to a young hitchhiker” (from Culture.pl). In the film we see very good interaction between characters crammed on small area on the car or sailboat. There is  division between black and white characters. This movie criticizes the arrogance, fraud, poseur and comedian attitude. We see rivalry of the man with the boy and manipulator role of wife. The boy is a mirror of the man who reflects his success. The man searches acclaim and jealousy. Life of this man is a hunting and domination. We can say that is a voyage of vampires.

This film was produced in the scandal atmosphere. In communist Poland rich man with a sailboat, good car was shocking. Critics said that was nonsensical and unnecessary film and that Knife in the water is an attack on the model of social live in Poland. 

Knife in the water opened the way to the West for Roman Polanski. The director won award at Venice Festival and nominations to the BAFTA and Oscars awards. (TR)