Review of the Cinematic Elements in “Two Men and A Wardrobe”

Abstract

The present research focuses on Roman Polanski’s short film “Two Men and a Wardrobe,” unraveling the sophisticated cinematic language, symbolic motifs, and societal commentary throughout the plot. The short film is one of the director’s earliest works and yet one of the most evocative of the society that he lived in. The study analyzes Polanski’s directorial approach, distinguished by his careful use of simple yet conspicuous settings and recurring motifs, to portray themes of loneliness, surrealism, and resilience within the framework of the cityscape and how townspeople treat strangers. Several stylistic and language questions that Polansky uses are explored. First, the research reveals the director’s expert use of lighting to elicit resonance, particularly in emphasizing the characters’ experiences and the film’s overall mood. It also investigates the film’s relationship stories of Holocaust suffering and its portrayal of societal difficulties, in line with the cinematic discourse around films such as “La Vita è Bella” and “Schindler’s List.” The study provides vital insights into the tremendous effect of Polanski’s work by exploring the theme exploration and artistic choices in “Two Men and a Wardrobe,” clarifying its significance within the fields of film and societal reflection.