DANTON

Unquestionably Poland's top filmmaker, Andrzej Wajda is internationally renowned for his stylish, poetic realism, already evident in his first feature 1955's “A Generation,” which together with “Kanal” (1957) and “Ashes and Diamonds” (1958) formed his famous post-war trilogy. Among his 28 films, “Man Of Marble” (1977) and “Man Of Iron” (1981) are probably the most celebrated for their powerful political statements. DANTON, winner of France's 1982 Prix Louis Delluc, however, provoked fervent controversy when it opened in Paris; the film found favor with the political right, but the left took umbrage at Wajda's version of the conflict between Danton and Robespierre during the 1793 “Reign of Terror.” Robespierre (Wojciech Pszoniak) has heads rolling due to the dictatorship of the Committee for Public Safety and the Revolutionary Tribunal, in opposition to the beliefs of Danton, who originally led both of the governing bodies. Politics aside, the two leaders are each other's opposite: Danton (Gerard Depardieu), the “People's Friend,” is a lusty, hedonistic egoist; Robespierre, “The Incorruptible,” is cold and snaky, wincing at the sight of a richly laden table or the touch of a woman. But the guillotine doesn't differentiate – they meet the same end. Pszoniak and Depardieu tied for the 1983 Montreal Film Festival's Best Actor Award for their riveting performances in this exceptional film. “Superb filmmaking.” – Village Voice