Tomasz Wolski’s 1970: A Review

“1970”, a chilling reminder of the dangers of unchecked power

Through a blend of archival footage, stop-motion animation, and intercepted phone calls, the film offers a unique and unsettling perspective on the eventual collapse of communism. The 1970 Polish protests serve as a poignant turning point in the nation's history. Tomasz Wolski's hybrid documentary masterfully portrays the inner workings of oppression, exposing the vulnerability of authoritarian control. By focusing on the regime's internal machinations – the panicked phone calls, the bureaucratic infighting, the callous disregard for human life – the film paints a chilling portrait of a system teetering on the brink of collapse.

Stop-motion animation brings us closer to what’s happening behind closed doors. Puppets embody the absurdity and detachment of the bureaucrats, their actions a grotesque parody of human concern, both figuratively and literally. The connection between the animated grotesques and the real-life suffering of the protesters creates a profound sense of alienation and underscores the regime's profound disconnect from reality.

The 1970 Polish protests

Also known as the December 1970 Events, occurred in northern Poland during 14–19 December 1970.

Though rooted in a specific historical event, the film's themes resonate with chilling relevance today. The struggles for social justice, the dangers of unchecked power, and the fight against government overreach remain as relevant as they were then. Wolski's "1970" is a powerful and unsettling work of art that serves as a stark reminder of the enduring human cost of tyranny and the enduring importance of the fight for freedom.