{"id":96116,"date":"2024-04-25T11:26:44","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T18:26:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=96116"},"modified":"2024-04-25T13:40:12","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T20:40:12","slug":"barrier-1966","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=96116","title":{"rendered":"Barrier (1966)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>&#8220;Where does it say everyone has to make good?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Poster.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Poster-206x300.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"206\" height=\"300\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-96117\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Poster-206x300.png 206w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Poster-88x128.png 88w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Poster-186x270.png 186w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Poster.png 644w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 206px) 100vw, 206px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Synopsis:<\/strong><br \/>\nA Polish medical student (Jan Nowicki) whimsically makes his way through life while dating a tram driver (Joanna Szczerbi).\n<\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>\n<p>\n<strong>Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Eastern European Films<\/li>\n<li>Jerzy Skolimowski Films<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Review: <\/strong><br \/>\nIt is truly difficult to know what to make of this early experimental film by Polish writer-director Jerzy Skolimowski, given that there really is no&#8230; plot. I had to rely on reading reviews and overviews just to get a basic sense of what I was seeing. Apparently we are watching the travails of an unnamed young medical student (Nowicki) who becomes fed up with his studies (it&#8217;s hard to blame him): <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Competition.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Competition.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"869\" height=\"498\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96119\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Competition.png 869w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Competition-300x172.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Competition-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Competition-768x440.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Competition-471x270.png 471w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 869px) 100vw, 869px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; and leaves with simply his suitcase and a piggie bank to visit his dad in a retirement home: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Dad-Retirement.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Dad-Retirement.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"863\" height=\"490\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96135\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Dad-Retirement.png 863w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Dad-Retirement-300x170.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Dad-Retirement-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Dad-Retirement-768x436.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Dad-Retirement-476x270.png 476w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 863px) 100vw, 863px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; where he&#8217;s given a letter by his father and sent on a wild-goose-chase involving a World War I saber and an older woman (Malgorzata Lorentowicz).<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Woman-Saber.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Woman-Saber.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"862\" height=\"492\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Woman-Saber.png 862w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Woman-Saber-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Woman-Saber-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Woman-Saber-768x438.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Woman-Saber-473x270.png 473w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>He climbs up a wall with chickens on it (?!): <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Wall.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Wall.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"864\" height=\"490\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96121\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Wall.png 864w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Wall-300x170.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Wall-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Wall-768x436.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Wall-476x270.png 476w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; meets and dates a pretty tram operator:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Tram-Driver2.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Tram-Driver2.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"864\" height=\"492\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96126\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Tram-Driver2.png 864w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Tram-Driver2-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Tram-Driver2-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Tram-Driver2-768x437.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Tram-Driver2-474x270.png 474w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; and sits in a mostly-empty restaurant with too many waiters milling around: <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Waiters.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Waiters.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"864\" height=\"490\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96123\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Waiters.png 864w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Waiters-300x170.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Waiters-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Waiters-768x436.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Waiters-476x270.png 476w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>&#8230; where eventually, newspapers are made into jaunty party hats. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Party-Hats.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Party-Hats.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"880\" height=\"490\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96136\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Party-Hats.png 880w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Party-Hats-300x167.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Party-Hats-128x71.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Party-Hats-768x428.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Party-Hats-485x270.png 485w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Nowicki also attacks a plastic-wrapped car with his saber at one point. <\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Car-Sabre.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Car-Sabre.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"858\" height=\"492\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-96129\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Car-Sabre.png 858w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Car-Sabre-300x172.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Car-Sabre-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Car-Sabre-768x440.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Car-Sabre-471x270.png 471w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 858px) 100vw, 858px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Given how little any of this makes sense, it&#8217;s challenging to follow or care very much &#8212; if at all &#8212; about what happens next.  Knowing that Skolimowski later helmed <a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=931\"><em>Deep End<\/em> (1970)<\/a>, <em>The Shout<\/em> (1978), and <a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=93092\"><em>Moonlighting<\/em> (1982)<\/a> (among other titles) makes this early outing more of a curiosity for those interested in how he&#8217;s evolved as a director &#8212; but it&#8217;s not must-see viewing on its own. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Occasional snippets of creative imagery<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still-1024x582.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"364\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-96118\" srcset=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still-1024x582.png 1024w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still-300x171.png 300w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still-128x73.png 128w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still-768x437.png 768w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still-475x270.png 475w, https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Barrier-Still.png 1418w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Must See? <\/strong><br \/>\nNope; skip this one. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Links: <\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imdb.com\/title\/tt0060150\/\">IMDb entry<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"http:\/\/thelastexit.net\/cinema\/main.html#Barrier\">The Last Exit Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dvdcompare.net\/review.php?rid=7877\">DVD Compare Review<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/newspapers?id=rgNOAAAAIBAJ&#038;sjid=KYwDAAAAIBAJ&#038;pg=4410%2C5106184\">Village Voice Review<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;Where does it say everyone has to make good?&#8221; Synopsis: A Polish medical student (Jan Nowicki) whimsically makes his way through life while dating a tram driver (Joanna Szczerbi). Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors: Eastern European Films Jerzy Skolimowski Films Review: It is truly difficult to know what to make of this early experimental film by Polish writer-director Jerzy Skolimowski, given that there really is no&#8230; plot. I had to rely on reading reviews and overviews just to get a&#8230;<\/p>\n<p class=\"read-more\"><a class=\"btn btn-default\" href=\"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/?p=96116\"> Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\">  Read More<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-96116","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-reviews"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96116","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=96116"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96116\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":96153,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/96116\/revisions\/96153"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=96116"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=96116"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/filmfanatic.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=96116"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}