#215: POLANSKI, Roman: Knife In The Water (1962)

POLANSKI, Roman (Poland)

Knife In The Water [1962]

Spine #215
DVD

Roman Polanski's first feature is a brilliant psychological thriller that many critics consider among his greatest work. The story is simple, yet the implications of its characters' emotions and actions are profound. When a young hitchhiker joins a couple on a weekend yacht trip, psychological warfare breaks out as the two men compete for the woman's attention. A storm forces the small crew below deck, and tension builds to a violent climax. With stinging dialogue and a mercilessly probing camera, Polanski creates a disturbing study of fear, humiliation, sexuality, and aggression. This remarkable directorial debut won Polanski worlwide acclaim, a place on the cover of Time, and his first Oscar nomination.

94 minutes
Black & White

Monaural

in Polish

1:33:1 aspect ratio

Criterion Release 2003

Director/Writers

Screenplay by Jerzy Skolimowski, Jakub Goldberg, and Roman Polanski.

Polanski was 29 when he directed Knife in the Water.

Other Polanski films in the Collection:

#483: Repulsion (1965)
#577: Cul-De-Sac (1966)
#630: Rosemary's Baby (1968)
#726: Macbeth (1971)
#697: Tess (1979)

The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Eight-page wraparound featuring an essay by Peter Cowie.

Commentary

None.

Video interview

With director Polanski and co-screenwriter Skolimowski.

Collection 1

Of rare publicity and production stills.

Collection 2

Of Polanski’s short films from 1957-1962, including Murder, Teeth Smile, Break up the Dance, Two Men and a Wardrobe, The Lamp, When Angels Fall, The Fat and the Lean, and Mammals.

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

99

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