Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi once more explores the dilemma of intellectualism at the expense of humanity in 1982's Imperative. The story concerns math professor Robert Powell, who feels that there is something lacking in his ever-so-precise life. What is missing is truth, specifically philosophical truth. Thus he philosophizes at great length, allowing director Zanussi plenty of room for didactic but little room for warmth. Leading ladies Brigette Fossey and Leslie Caron occasionally melt through the cold logic of Imperative.
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Cast
6 people
Robert Powell
Augustin
Known for
Jesus of Nazareth
Shaka Zulu
Brigitte Fossey
Yvonne
Known for
The Party
Cinema Paradiso
Zbigniew Zapasiewicz
Psychiatrist
Known for
A Short Film About Killing
Blind Chance
Matthias Habich
Theologist
Known for
Enemy at the Gates
Berlin Syndrome
Sigfrit Steiner
Professor
Known for
It Happened in Broad Daylight
Leslie Caron
Mother
Known for
An American in Paris
Gigi
Krzysztof Zanussi Director · Sławomir Idziak Cinematographer Liesgret Schmitt-Klink Editor
First release April 1, 1982 · Produced in Germany · Languages English, German, Russian
Production
Telefilm Saar
Production
SR
Production
Saarländischer Rundfunk
Production
Germany
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Imperativ
Original language
English
Spoken on screen
English · German · Russian
Release dates
Poland · April 1, 1982
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
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Some details come from TheTVDB.