The Smell of Heath, Epilepsy and the Pope’s Portrait (Andrzej Wajda’s “Sweet Rush” and Peter Zelenka’s “The Brothers Kramazov”)

Abstract

Andrzej Wajda’a Sweet Rush (Tatarak) and Petr Zelenka’s The Karamazovs (Karamazovi) are film adaptations of literature. Both directors represent very innovative approach to the literary material. Wajda wanted to depict the theme of death and passing in original way and combined various literary sources: Jarosław Iwaszkiewicz’s short story Sweet Rush, a novelette by Sándor Márai, and Last Notes by Polish actress, Krystyna Janda. Her text is a form of reflection on the death of her husband who was a recognized cinematographer. Wajda also incorporated into the picture scenes revealing the film’s making off. Petr Zelenka’s screen adaptation of the famous novel by Fiodor Dostoievsky is based on the film record of the Prague theater presentation (also based on The Karamazovs) made in the industrial space of the Sendzimir Ironworks inPoland. The recorded spectacle became the opportunity for the director to present his artistic statement on the history and culture of the Middle andEast Europe and the artist’s status nowadays.