'Polish Cohen brother' adapts Pilch novel

Wojciech Smarzowski: photo - wikipedia

Angel (Anioł) is based on Pilch's The Mighty Angel (Pod Mocnym Aniolem), which was the recipient of the Nike Award – Poland's most prestigious literary prize – in 2001.

The plot revolves around Jurus, a writer who is battling to overcome his alcoholism.

Robert Wickiewicz, who has just finished playing Lech Walesa in Andrzej Wajda's forthcoming biopic of the Solidarity legend, will take the lead role.

Smarzowski wrote the screenplay himself for Angel, and according to producer Jacek Rzehak, Pilch has every faith in the director.

“Wojtek asked Jerzy if he would like to read the text. The writer replied: 'absolutely not, I have complete trust in you'. He just wants to come to the premiere of the film,” Rzehak told the Polish Press Agency.

Smarzowski, who jokingly refers to himself as “third Cohen brother”, owing to his fondness for offbeat American directors Ethan and Joel Cohen, has won acclaim both in Poland and abroad for films such as his 2009's thriller The Dark House (Dom Zly), and 2011's Roza (Rose), which is set in the immediate aftermath of World War II.

Angel is being shot in Krakow southern Poland, with filming scheduled to end in spring 2013.

In the meantime, Smarzowski's most recent film, police thriller, 7 Days (7 Dni) is set for release in 2013. (nh)