Hybris, czyli o przyczynach porażek ambitnych projektów w twórczości mistrzów kina

Abstract

The author, by adopting historical-critical method, presents the concept of the „unsuccessful masterpiece” and puts it on the borderline between film studies and film criticism. The point of departure for his analyses comprises a selected group of works by eminent directors which unfortunately did not meet expectations of critics and audience. The main source of the author’s inspiration for establishing the category of unsuccessful masterpiece lies in the remarks written by distinguished film critics, e. g. Roger Ebert. The author also draws on inquiries made by the scholars who tried to grasp the phenomenon of a masterpiece within theoretical borders. Therefore, he depicts the characteristic of an unsuccessful masterpiece based on the above-mentioned assumptions. In the author’s view this notion might be a useful tool for film critics to for evaluating works of specific kind. Moreover, the author’s attempt may contribute to theoretical studies on the phenomenon of masterpiece.