Three Colours: White

Exploring the theme of equality, symbolised by the colour white, the second in Kieslowski’s acclaimed trilogy begins with the divorce hearing seen briefly in `Blue’. Karol Karol (Zamachowski), having given up pretty much everything, leaving his native Poland to marry Dominique (Delpy), is divorced and left homeless and penniless by his hairdresser wife after six months of unconsummated marriage.

After ineptly stalking and harassing his ex-wife for a short while, he returns to Poland in despair. Once there, he sets about rebuilding his life, eventually becoming a wealthy and respected businessman through a series of shrewd property deals, ultimately turning the tables on Dominique.

The story of Karol’s search for equality and a redress of the balance that was never present during his and Dominique’s marriage is perhaps less accessible than Julie’s quest for solitude in `Blue’, and Valentine’s relationship with the old judge in `Red’, but the same understated mastery is always present, as are the links with the other two films: Julie and Sandrine are visible in the background during Karol and Dominique’s divorce hearing.

Nick Jackson