Seasons Review: A Polish Drama Where Stage and Life Collide
Polish director and co-writer Michal Grzybowski's film Seasons presents a compelling yet sombre exploration of the intricate relationship between theatrical performance and personal turmoil. This tepid comedy-drama delves into the conjugal complications of its protagonist, offering inspired flashes but often eschewing humour for a drearier, more introspective take on the intertwining of art and existence.
The Plot: From Peter Pan to Ibsen
The narrative centres on self-righteous theatre actor Marcin, portrayed by Łukasz Simlat, who is mid-run playing Captain Hook in a production of Peter Pan. His terminally unhappy wife Ola, played by Agnieszka Duleba-Kasza, announces her departure, leading to a heated argument that spills into the theatre wings. Here, she reveals a past infidelity, with Ziemovit, who plays Peter Pan, looking sheepish before being hoisted away on wires.
Months later, Marcin takes on the role of Torvald in Ibsen's A Doll's House, opposite his new love Ewa as Nora. When Ewa falls down a trapdoor, Ola is substituted into the role, reigniting old tensions. The stakes are raised further as Marcin and Ola find themselves leading as Oberon and Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream, a production crucial to their company's future.
Directorial Vision and Tone
Despite the agitated farce of the opening scenes, where the marital spat erupts on stage in front of aghast children expecting light pantomime, Grzybowski appears more aligned with Ibsen's sombre sensibilities. The film adopts a fairly serious perspective on adult relationships, focusing on the literal ways life feeds into art. This is evident in the heightened Hook-Pan rivalry and Marcin's struggles during A Doll's House rehearsals when forced to summon passion for Ola.
The film includes only sporadic moments of light humour, such as backstage thespians bickering about DeNiro or Marcin's father's unfulfilled threats to quit the company. Consequently, Seasons falls short of achieving the playful Shakespearean intertwining of world and stage it alludes to, opting instead for a more grounded and melancholic approach.
Performances and Technical Aspects
Łukasz Simlat delivers a nuanced performance, showcasing technically complex work that simultaneously highlights both the theatrical role and the actor behind it. He subtly tweaks his features to portray a character who consistently allows life to intrude on his craft, far beyond the desires of his method-advocating director. This adds depth to the film's exploration of artistic commitment and personal conflict.
However, Grzybowski's direction occasionally falters in tone, culminating in a wistful Woody Allen-esque outro that suggests a lack of commitment to a consistent narrative voice. This mirrors Marcin's own struggles with emotional and professional dedication, creating a reflective but sometimes disjointed viewing experience.
Overall Impression
Seasons offers a thoughtful, if somewhat stolid, examination of the blurred lines between performance and reality. While it may not fully capture the whimsical essence of Shakespearean drama, it provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by actors both on and off the stage. The film is set to premiere on Viaplay from 5 February, inviting audiences to ponder the enduring complexities of art imitating life.
