Walkover

Walkover constitutes the second part of Leszczyc’s adventures. The young man arrives by train in an unnamed, newly built industrial town. The purpose of his visit is to take part in a boxing ‘first step’, a competition for young, aspiring boxers. Leszczyc, however, does not fit this category. He took part in a number of ‘first steps’ previously and even earns his living by selling trophies from the competitions. Moreover, he will soon turn thirty. His short stay in the plant will prove very important for him – here he will meet his old female colleague from the university and learn to shun walkovers in boxing as much as in real life.
As well as continuing Leszczyc’s story, Walkover marks Skolimowski’s development as a surrealist. The industrial plant has the dreamy atmosphere of a labyrinth, with Leszczyc returning to the same places and people, often belonging to his half-remembered past or to Polish romantic mythology. The mood is greatly enhanced by the music. Written by Skolimowski’s friend and long-term collaborator, jazz composer Krzysztof Komeda, it often amplifies natural sounds, as well as conveying what Leszczyc cannot express in words.
The film was shot in only twenty nine shots, which was appreciated by the critics, but caused the director many problems and discouraged him from using such ‘Bazinian techniques’ in future. (EMK)

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