Film legend shoots last scene of Walesa biopic

Robert Wieckiewicz as Lech Walesa: photo - Akson Studio

Shooting on the eagerly-awaited movie began in December last year, with much of the work filmed on location in Gdansk, the birthplace of the Solidarity trade union.

Yesterday, the 86-year-old director told Polish Radio that he is delighted with the performance of Robert Wieckiewicz (In Darkness) as the irrepressible hero of the film.

“I could not have dreamed that it would work out so well,” Wajda enthused.

The director added that “it was not about an imitation of Walesa, rather the aim was to create a distinctive character which was the creation of the actor himself.”

Wajda also praised Agnieszka Grochowska, who plays the role of Walesa's embattled wife.

The director believes that the scenes between the two lead players are among the finest in the film.

Nevertheless, Wajda is already bracing himself for criticism, as he revealed during a talk at Krakow's Off Plus Camera Festival this April.

“I'm not going to have an easy life after the film is finished,” he said.

“The heroes of this story are still alive, and there are as many versions [of the events] as there were participants,” he added, hinting at the deep divisions that have occurred within the ranks of Solidarity veterans since Poland shed communist rule in 1989.

“Everyone has their own point of view, believing that certain events and not others should be shown on the screen,” Wajda said.

The film, which is simply titled Walesa, is provisionally set for an October release. (nh)