Krzysztof Kieslowski's Decalouge is a perfect example of how the use of the idea of Midrash is crucial to interpreting a film. Most quality films use a narrative to convey an underlying message or meaning and it is up to the viewer's interpretaion as to what it is we take away from it. Although a viewer with no religious ideals in mind could interpret the theme of Decalouge I as "computers cannot be trusted", his use of religious symbolism and dialouge creates an unmistakable undertone of mysterium and tremendom. The viewer could feel the ominous presence of the strange character by the lake setting up something bad as well as Pavel's talks with his dad on death and religion. The Decalouge 5 focuses on the commandment "thou shalt not kill" which is easily relatable for all people of all faiths. The thing that struck me about this episode was how his execution was handled by the prison workers. The scene of the state execution was just as brutal as the killing that landed Jacek on death row in the first place. I think this was meant to show that killing is killing no matter if it is a crime of passion or a state mandated execution.
A very interesting point to me raised in class was Kieslowski's abandonment of the documentary, believing he could create something more real himself. He found that when a camera was on someone, they turned into a sort of actor and the authenticity of the scene was altered. I think his reasoning makes sense in creating an atmosphere and setting with actors he controls while the final product still appears very realistic and intimate in documentary style.
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