The Structure of Crystal

Jan and Marek were once promising physics students together. Marek is still doing important physicist things, while Jan has moved to a remote rural outpost to spend his days doing routine meteorological work. Marek comes to visit his old friend during a holiday and cannot understand why someone as gifted as Jan has chosen to waste his life doing pointless things in a pointless place. Jan, however, responds with his sweet, mischievous smile: this is where his life is now.

As is so often the case in the films of the Polish master Krzysztof Zanussi, the story ultimately arrives at life's most fundamental questions. Who are we, really, and who do we want to be? Although the film grapples with questions of profound importance, cinema staff member Oskar chose it for our anniversary programme mainly because the entire story unfolds in such a relaxed atmosphere, bathed in bright, gentle tones. Well, that and because these two guys are simply so delightful! Oh, to frolic around with physicist Jan in the snow outside a little countryside weather station! This snowy film has, in any case, found a very warm place in Oskar's heart.