“Put all your soul into it, play the way you feel.” Almost 175 years have passed since Frederic Chopin’s brilliant soul was tragically taken by tuberculosis at the young age of 39. Yet, the profound complexity of his character and the captivating, bittersweet melancholy woven into his music continue to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
From bustling cities to quiet conservatories, wherever aspiring pianists begin their journey, Chopin, often hailed as the ‘Poet of the Piano,’ guides them through the intricate paths of etudes, preludes, ballads, and mazurkas, ultimately leading them towards the profound beauty of simplicity.
Chopin, a proud son of Poland whose heart symbolically remains in a Warsaw church, has been the muse for countless cinematic and literary works. This week, the prestigious 50th Polish Film Festival in Gdynia premiered a new, vibrant biopic of the virtuoso. Directed by acclaimed Polish filmmaker Michal Kwiecinski, Chopin Chopin! delves into the composer’s genius during the Romantic era, but it does so without simply idolizing him. Instead, it bravely explores the wounded soul of a musician whose timeless compositions continue to touch and heal hearts globally.
A captivating still from the film, ‘Chopin Chopin!’
Featuring the intense young actor Eryk Kulm in the titular role, the film vividly depicts tuberculosis as a relentless antagonist in Chopin’s life. It also explores his dynamic relationships with influential, independent women, revealing how both illness and passionate desire profoundly shaped his musical creations. Kulm, who deeply loves the piano, believes he was destined for the role. Director Kwiecinski, in an exclusive interview, stated that Kulm was uniquely suited among Polish actors to embody Chopin, elaborating on the film’s thoughtful emotional and visual artistry.
Chopin’s Enduring Legacy: A New Biopic Explores Genius and Complexity
Kwiecinski challenges previous cinematic interpretations, noting, “Earlier depictions often portrayed Chopin and his music as ‘slow,’ but my research reveals a different story. I wanted to showcase Chopin as the ‘rockstar of his era,’ adored by society. He was active, spontaneous, a true socialite.”
The director draws a poignant parallel between Parisian society’s battle with cholera and tuberculosis and our recent struggles with COVID-19. “People back then didn’t know how to combat these illnesses, often turning to superstitions and shamans for cures,” he explains. This pervasive illness deeply impacted Chopin’s romantic life, forging a complex connection between his conception and expression of love, which unfolds dynamically on screen. Kwiecinski believes Chopin channeled his profound emotions of love directly into his music.
“He transported the emotion into music rather than directly to a person,” Kwiecinski muses. This underlying melancholy is also reflected in the film’s visual style, where sunlight, appearing almost like a vital elixir for the ailing Chopin, transforms into a powerful metaphor for hope that arrives just as it’s slipping away.
Regarding Chopin’s unconventional relationship with French novelist George Sand, Kwiecinski highlights that while Sand desired intellectual intimacy with the musical genius, she had no intention of confining him to a conventional relationship. He quotes from her letters to Chopin’s friend, where she expressed being unconcerned by his relationships with other women, provided he continued to offer her intellectual inspiration.
Set for an October release in 45 countries, Kwiecinski, a frequent visitor to India, is enthusiastic about presenting Chopin Chopin! at the upcoming International Film Festival of India and the Kolkata Film Festival. He also shared his ambition to bring another project to life: a script about a Polish businessman and an Indian worker, set against the vibrant backdrop of Kolkata.