Nothing Funny

It is true that Polish director Marek Koterski belongs to the same group of filmmakers who were all an integral part of what was known as "Cinema of the moral anxiety" in Poland, his comedy films are different from other serious drama films made by his contemporaries. At a time when drama became an acceptable concept for most Polish film directors, Koterski chose to make comedy films namely "The House of Fools" (1984) and Inner Life (1986) which were faithful account of comic situations involving ordinary citizens under communist rule. In current times, the making of "Nothing funny" must be considered as a landmark event for Polish cinema as it has revealed itself as a comedy film with a difference. Firstly, it is funny and even goes beyond the traditional definition of funny as it uses the medium of cinema to deride the profession of cinema. Secondly, it shows that there is no other better authority than a film director to do justice to the portrayal of a director's mind especially all his weird fantasies including sexual fantasies. This is what we get to see in this film whose comical incidents derive their source from some very ordinary situations of one's mundane existence. It appears that Koterski has made a conscious decision of not hurting the sensibilities of his viewers as his film might appear a little mischievous but it never attempts to be offensive. Polish actor Cezary Pazura is a real joy to watch as he portrays his mentor's professional life with great personal involvement.