The Scar

Kieslowski's first theatrical feature is a rather dour slice of social realism. Adapted from a journalist's report, it's set in 1970 and examines the ramifications surrounding the construction of a huge chemical plant near a relatively backward rural community. Pieczka's project director suffers an ongoing crisis of conscience when the locals complain about the disruption. Meanwhile Stuhr's sinister Party manager tries to keep the lid on negative reporting by a roving film crew. There's understanding for points of view on all sides, but the absence of dramatic impetus reveals the film-maker's difficulty in adapting from the documentary work which had comprised the bulk of his previous output. That's bespectacled Agnieszka Holland as the factory secretary.