Intertextuality and genres as an interpretative key to Krzysztof Kieślowski’s “Three Colours. White”

Abstract

The article defines notions such as intertextuality and film genre. These notions enable the interpretation of Kieslowski’s Three Colours. White. Its reception from an intertextuality perspective shows its affinities with Charlie Chaplin’s productions. The hero of Biały, Karol, is a counterpart of the Chaplinian heroes. Kieślowski merges genre conventions, which is why genre theory offers another interpretative key to Three Colours. White. Its plot’s structure is built on elements of comedy, crime story, as well as drama. Thanks to Kieślowski’s convention manipulations, White shows postmodernist features.