
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

Krzysztof Kołbasiuk
Heiress' son

Tomasz Kubiatowicz

Jerzy Moniak

Tadeusz Huk
Man

Zdzisław Kozień
Pop

Ignacy Machowski
Rejent

Piotr Pawłowski
General

Zygmunt Bielawski
Colonel

Leon Niemczyk
Pharmacist

Marian Dziędziel
Policeman

Eugeniusz Korczarowski

Przemysław Tejkowski
Gang Member (uncredited)

Stefan Wójcicki
Man in a Rail Vehicle (uncredited)

Katarzyna Bargiełowska
Woman

Ewa Frąckiewicz
Woman with a Candle

Zofia Rysiówna
Heiress

Ryszard Mróz
Bible Researcher

Leszek Piskorz
Man in a Locale

Henryk Kluba
Mayor's clerk (uncredited)

Jan Hencz