The Third Part of the Night

"The Third Part of the Night," directed by the visionary Andrzej Żuławski, is a 1971 film that transcends simple storytelling to offer a profound reflection on the social tensions in Poland during World War II. Set in Nazi-occupied Krakow, it delves into themes of identity, resistance, and alienation amid brutal oppression.

From a socio-political perspective, the film emphasizes the devastating effects of the German occupation on Polish society. The plot centres on Michał (Leszek Teleszyński), whose life is upended by the Nazis' murder of his family. He subsequently joins the resistance, contributing as a blood donor and lice carrier for a German laboratory attempting to develop a typhus vaccine.

This degrading and dubious work serves as a metaphor for both the individual's struggle for survival and the erosion of personal identity.

It is a stark dystopian portrayal of wartime resistance, reflecting the internal conflicts between the necessity of fighting an occupier and the inevitable moral compromises involved. This struggle forces characters to confront ethical dilemmas, underscoring the complexity of battling a prolific and powerful inhuman enemy.

Żuławski employs a bold visual and directorial style, seamlessly blending reality and fantasy to constantly challenge the viewer's perception of what is real and what is not.

This approach enhances the emotional impact on the viewer while encouraging deep reflection on the nature of war, suffering, and conformity. Through frantic camera movements, unusual angles, and fragmented editing, it creates a claustrophobic and hallucinatory atmosphere. Surreal and symbolic elements depict the fragmented psyche of both the protagonist and the population.

These elements not only intensify the sense of alienation and despair but also implicitly critique the senselessness and dehumanization of war.

'The Third Part of the Night' is a complex and challenging film. Its non-linear narrative, dark themes, and experimental style may be difficult for some viewers to grasp. However, for those who embrace its unique cinematic approach, the film delivers a profound and anarchistic exploration of humanity during times of extreme crisis.

The film's intricate narrative and rich symbolism lend it significant historical and contemporary relevance, offering a deep exploration of the lasting impacts of war and tyranny.