Krzysztof Kieslowski was a self-confessed pessimist who didn't like films, thought the camera was "stupid" and felt he had no talent. But his rise from relative obscurity to being recognised as one of Europe's most gifted film-makers was meteoric. Within a decade he had composed more than 1200 minutes of screen time and completed The Decalogue, his series of ten hour-long contemporary interpretaions of the Ten Commandments, as well as his celebrated Three Colours trilogy.

Then, at the height of his creative powers, Kieslowski announced that he would prefer to retire and sit quietly in a room by himself and smoke. Two years later he was dead. The image of Kieslowski as a solitary smoker is apt. His work probed the ironies of human existence, embracing many forms and spanning mysticism, tragedy, pathos, and black comedy. Most of all, Kieslowski retained an enormous generosity of spirit - and a sardonic sense of humour.

What's in this book? As well as an introductory essay, each of Kieslowski's films are discussed in detail, from Camera Buff, the film that first brought Kieslowski to international recognition, to his last film, Three Colours: Red. There is also a handy multi-media reference guide.AUTHORBIO: Monika Maurer has written for Empire, GQ, Esquire and Neon. She is editor of kamera.co.uk and has been co-ordinator of the Prague International Film Festival.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For all fans, serious or frivolous,, 14 Jun 2001

By A Customer

This is a book to cherish. The writing is concise and informative: the structure is clear and helpful. A guide like this would be a bargain at ten times the price. As it is, anyone with even a passing interest in Kieslowski should have this on their shelves. Maurer is a name to watch.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent introduction to this great filmmaker, 28 Nov 2000

By A Customer

This interesting and insightful book provides an excellent introduction to one of the greatest filmmakers of our time. If, like me, you are a fan and want to find out more but find academic tomes too turgid, this acessible and concise book provides a little bit context and outlines all the main themes in Kieslowski's work - I learnt so much about the Three Colours Trilogy! Perfect for fans and students alike.

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5.0 out of 5 stars succinct and indispensable, 18 Nov 2007

By	nottingdale "colville" (london) - See all my reviews

Monika Maurer writes with a clarity and precision that should make this succinct biography of Kieslowski indispensible to his many fans.

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