Inspiration for The Decalogue

Before watching The Decalogue, one should understand the background and the context from which it was created. We will be looking into Polish and Eastern European culture in the next posts and throughout the course of the blog. Keeping that in mind, we will tackle the filmmakers and their creative vision and inspiration.

The series of movies was conceived after the producer saw a medieval depiction of the Ten Commandments. The above picture is presumably of the aforementioned depiction. The producer decided that it was important to make a modern-day depiction of the Ten Commandments told through a modern-day medium: film. 

Notable in the picture is the medieval concept and perspective of the Ten Commandments. Notice, in particular, the demonic figures in each portion, seemingly playing a part in or even enabling the sin to occur. In other words, the devil made me do it. It will be interesting to see how the Decalogue tackles the concept and nature of sin and what humankind's responsibility is in regard to sin. Is humanity born depraved and into sin? Or is humankind drawn to sin by evil forces or circumstances?

It is important to properly understand the Ten Commandments and how modern society has developed a misguided perception. The Ten Commandments were not given to Israel simply to create regulations for life that are in turn punishable when disobeyed. Instead, they were given as a gift to the people of God as a way of conveying the best, most productive way of living: "It might work out better for everyone, if you don't kill each other."  So it will also be interesting to note how The Decalogue deals with the idea of this covenant with God and how the characters are dealt with who rebel against its precepts.

Also of note is how the late 20th century mindset of Eastern Europeans impacts the storytelling. Will the settings be generally bleak? Will the filmmakers choose to address specific cultural mores or themes on a broader scale or both? 

Kieslowski tackles ideas of morality and society in his Three Colors Trilogy, as well. Wikipedia (Three Colors: Red)  mentions that he addresses the themes of "the manner in which man acts in society, the relationship between the law, ethics and socially acceptable behavior and how not all of them coincide." This may be an indication on how he will challenge the viewer with each part of The Decalogue to make his/her own decision of what is right and wrong.