Imperceptibility is a great ability allowing you to achieve extraordinary things. What would you do, if you had such an incredible gift? Rob a bank? Steal top secret data that would destabilize the world order? Become a hero who fights with crime every night? Or maybe quite the opposite, you’d take up a job as an office worker and your favourite thing to do would be watching the world around you passively. Despite the main character’s ability to be imperceptible, Marcel isn’t based on a comic-book figure but is a person made of flesh, cigarette smoke and blood.
For most people, being invisible sounds like a pain in the neck – exclusion from the community, solitude, lack of attention. Marcel had also perceived it this way but it changed over time. His curse had become his blessing. Not involving in any relationship or social affair had allowed him to distance himself from the whole world. He had been some kind of a separate being, independent observer of ongoing reality. His peaceful, stress-free existence would had probably lasted for many more years if not for an unusual event that turned his life upside down.
Marcel is a film that copes with some serious issues but on its own grotesque style. Dialogues and monologues remind of Marek Koterski’s productions. Acting is also worth mentioning as it stands on the highest level. Moreover, the protagonist’s role, portrayed by Piotr Żurawski is quite brilliant. Something that gives an additional asset is definitely a soundtrack – Lato 76 composed by Artur Rojek creates a mysterious and nostalgic atmosphere and perfectly emphasizes all the matters presented in the film. Marcel is a 30 minute delight.
Dawid Łupieniak
Translation: Klaudia Żarska