The Polish novel “The Doll” by Bolesław Prus, a literary classic and a work known to generations of Poles since their school years, has been adapted into a new, large-scale cinematic production. Producer Radosław Drabik presented the film at the 12th CineLibri International Book and Movie Festival in Sofia, aiming to bridge the gap between classical literature and modern cinema audiences.
Why produce a new version of “The Doll”?
While the 1968 film by Wojciech Jerzy Has remains a classic, Radosław Drabik told Impressio.bg that he believed the time was right for a new interpretation. He said that the original production belongs to a different cinematic era that may not resonate with today’s younger viewers. Drabik viewed the project as an ambitious endeavor requiring large financial investments, which he secured through advance sales and partnerships.
How the film connects across generations
The production team relied on the universal themes within Prus’s writing, specifically the intersection of love, money, and social hierarchy. “The Doll” is mandatory reading in Polish schools, but Drabik explained to Impressio.bg that its resonance changes as readers age. He argues that the struggles depicted in the 19th-century text, such as the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor, remain relevant in contemporary society.
Crafting the visual world of the adaptation
To attract a modern audience, the team prioritized high-end production values, including elaborate costumes and detailed set design. Drabik told Impressio.bg that the visual strategy was designed to make the film feel like a spectacle. This included an exhibition of the film’s costumes in a Royal Park, which drew large crowds and highlighted the craftsmanship behind the project.
How international audiences react to the story
Following its release in Poland, the film is now being screened globally, including in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and the United States. Drabik noted to Impressio.bg that he is particularly interested in how the film’s specific cultural context translates to viewers in Japan and China.
While he does not expect a worldwide theatrical release due to the project’s scale, he anticipates a long life for the film on streaming platforms and television.
What viewers say about the experience
The production team measured success primarily by the return of older demographics to the cinema. “One of the big dreams was for people who haven’t stepped into a movie theater in ten years to decide to come back to the cinema specifically because of this film,” Drabik told Impressio.bg.
He reported that many viewers have returned to watch the film multiple times to catch details they missed during their first viewing.
Questions about the film's adaptation and availability
Is the new film a direct remake of the 1968 version?
No, it is a new, high-budget cinematic adaptation of Bolesław Prus’s novel. Producer Radosław Drabik specified that the 1968 version by Wojciech Jerzy Has belongs to a different era and the new project uses contemporary cinematic language to appeal to modern audiences.
Where can international viewers watch the film?
While the film is currently touring international film festivals, such as CineLibri in Sofia, it is expected to reach a broader audience through streaming platforms and television in the coming years.
What was the inspiration behind the film’s visual style?
The production team, led by art director Dorota Buka, aimed to create a world that was rich, saturated, and detailed. According to Drabik, the goal was to showcase high-quality craftsmanship, from the costume design to the musical score, to ensure the film functioned as a “spectacle” for the audience.