What Will You Do When You Catch Me?

What Will You Do When You Catch Me? is a Polish comedy film released in 1978, directed by Stanisław Bareja, that presents a humorous and satirical depiction of life under communist rule in Poland during the late 1970s. The film holds a special place in the history of Polish cinema, as it is considered one of the classics of the era, well-loved for its comedic flair, absurd situations, and its sharp social commentary on the bureaucratic system. With a talented cast featuring Krzysztof Kowalewski, Bronisław Pawlik, and Stanisław Tym, this film manages to capture the zeitgeist of the times while providing an entertaining storyline that continues to resonate with audiences today.

The plot revolves around the misadventures of Tadeusz Krzakoski (played by Krzysztof Kowalewski), a somewhat underachieving, yet crafty individual who inadvertently becomes entangled in a series of bureaucratic mishaps. Krzakoski embodies the everyman hero, trying to navigate the complexities and absurdities of the communist system with wit and street smarts, frequently experiencing humorous obstacles that highlight the quirks and inefficiencies of the society he lives in.

What Will You Do When You Catch Me? opens with Krzakoski involved in a minor car accident that sets off a ridiculous chain of events. As he attempts to avoid the repercussions of the accident, he employs a variety of schemes and strategies to dodge the authorities, particularly an ever-persistent and well-meaning traffic police officer, played with gusto by Bronisław Pawlik. The game of cat and mouse that ensues is less about the legality of the incident and more about the comedy of errors that unfolds as Krzakoski tries to stay one step ahead of the law.

Amidst the comedic chaos, the film introduces a lineup of distinctive characters, each one representing different facets of Polish society. From the bureaucrats with their overdependence on regulations to ordinary citizens who must deal with the daily frustrations of shortages and queues, the film is a rich tapestry of life in a centrally planned economy. The interactions between these characters create humorous scenarios that unmask the absurdities of their reality while allowing the audience to empathize with their struggles.

One character of note is Stanisław Tym's portrayal of an opportunistic and slightly buffoonish Party official, who epitomizes the corruptibility and incompetence often associated with the communist regime's bureaucracy. His character provides a sharp contrast to Krzakoski, who, despite his own foibles, is viewed by the audience as the resourceful underdog, making the most out of a seemingly oppressive system.

What makes What Will You Do When You Catch Me? particularly engaging is its clever and subversive humor. The film employs a variety of comedic styles -- from slapstick to deadpan -- while toeing the line of what was acceptable in Polish cinema at the time. It gently pokes fun at the state's inefficiency and the daily ironies faced by its citizens without overtly criticizing the ruling powers, a balancing act that required skillful crafting in both writing and direction. Director Stanisław Bareja artfully captures the essence of the times, using humor as a lens to explore the nuances of life under communist rule.

The visual style and cinematography of the film contribute greatly to its ambiance. Shots filled with the architecture and street scenes of 1970s Poland offer an authentic backdrop that not only serves the narrative but also acts as a time capsule, capturing the period's unique aesthetic. Further enhanced by the film's original score, which punctuates comedic scenes with light-hearted and catchy tunes, viewers are treated to a sensory experience that complements the wit and humor of the script.

Even though What Will You Do When You Catch Me? is deeply rooted in the historic and social context of Poland in the '70s, the themes of bureaucratic absurdity and everyman resilience make it a timeless piece of cinema. The struggle against systemic arbitrariness and the desire to maintain one's agency are universal experiences, which allows the film to transcend its local context and find appreciation with international audiences.

Laugh-out-loud moments combined with poignant insight into the human condition make What Will You Do When You Catch Me? a must-see for fans of classic comedy and those interested in the unique realities of Eastern European history. It's a cultural relic that continues to find relevance and humor in the face of adversity—a quality that contributes to its enduring popularity and status as a beloved classic of Polish cinema.