Three Colors: Red

About Three Colors Red

Directed by Krzysztof Kieślowski and released in 1994, 'Three Colors: Red' is a French-Swiss drama film that uses its symbolic title color to represent fraternity. It's the third and final film in Kieślowski’s lauded Three Colors trilogy, following ‘Three Colors: Blue’ and ‘Three Colors: White’. The film follows Valentine, a young model living in Geneva, who crosses paths with a retired judge who eavesdrops on his neighbors' private conversations.

Making / Production

'Three Colors: Red' was produced by Marin Karmitz and co-produced by Swiss Television and MK2 Productions. The virtuoso cinematography was done by Piotr Sobociński. Kieślowski’s regular collaborator, Krzysztof Piesiewicz, co-wrote the screenplay.

Actors

• Irene Jacob as Valentine Dussaut: She portrayed a thoughtful, compassionate model who stumbles into the life of the judge.
• Jean-Louis Trintignant as Joseph Kern: Veteran actor Trintignant played the role of the judge, a complex character who's withdrawn from society.
• Frédérique Feder as Karin: She depicted a more youthful and less experienced character, who is involved with Valentine's neighbor.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Three Colors: Red' was originally planned to be a part of a nine-film series before being reduced to a trilogy due to the exhaustion of Kieślowski.
• Director Krzysztof Kieślowski announced his retirement from filmmaking shortly after the movie premiered, saying he had said everything he had to say.

Awards

While the film was not rewarded with an award, it received extremely high critical acclaim and was officially selected for the main competition at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. 'Three Colors: Red' was also nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Director for Krzysztof Kieślowski.

Quotes

• "Is it a joke?" – Valentine
• "You could have been a beautiful woman." – Kern
• "It's beautiful. It's as beautiful as you." – Kern

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's haunting score was composed by Zbigniew Preisner, who worked closely with Kieślowski throughout his career.
• The music has a potent role within the narrative, shaping the rhythm and emotion throughout the story.