
Gwiazda Piołun
The final stage of the great artist's life, a stage in which Witkacy decides to destroy himself. A growing sense of danger, the futility of all actions, and fear of what is to come accompany him constantly during his escape from Warsaw to the East at the outbreak of World War II. Everyday facts and events are intertwined in the film with reminiscences and images from his life, supported by the artist's inner monologue. The style of narration and the way of filming make the film a poignant study of the writer's inner disintegration. By emphasizing the painterly quality of the image and introducing dreamlike themes, Kluba captures on screen the characteristics of both Witkacy's playwriting and painting.
Director Henryk Kluba
Cast

Marian Harasimowicz

Jan Hencz

Jerzy Moniak

Zofia Rysiówna
Heiress

Ewa Frąckiewicz
Woman with a Candle

Eugeniusz Korczarowski

Tomasz Kubiatowicz

Przemysław Tejkowski
Gang Member (uncredited)

Tadeusz Huk
Man

Krzysztof Kołbasiuk
Heiress' son

Marian Dziędziel
Policeman

Katarzyna Bargiełowska
Woman

Zdzisław Kozień
Pop

Leon Niemczyk
Pharmacist

Ignacy Machowski
Rejent

Leszek Piskorz
Man in a Locale

Henryk Kluba
Mayor's clerk (uncredited)

Ryszard Mróz
Bible Researcher

Stefan Wójcicki
Man in a Rail Vehicle (uncredited)

Zygmunt Bielawski
Colonel

Piotr Pawłowski
General