Imperative
Imperativ
Synopsis
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.
Top Cast
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Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Krzysztof Zanussi
- Screenplay & Story
- Krzysztof Zanussi
- Original Score
- Wojciech Kilar
- Original Title
- Imperativ
- Country of Origin
- Germany
- Spoken Languages
- German, English, Russian
- Runtime
- 1h 42m
- Production Studios
- Telefilm Saar, SR
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Krzysztof Zanussi
Krzysztof Zanussi
Wojciech Kilar
Sławomir Idziak
Liesgret Schmitt-Klink
Department Leadership Roster
Krzysztof Zanussi
Director
Krzysztof Zanussi
Writer
Liesgret Schmitt-Klink
Editor
Anna B. Sheppard
Costume Design
Sławomir Idziak
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Imperative.
Featured In Curated Collections
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European Cinema
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Venice Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Winners 1951 - 2025
Existentialist Films
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Frequently Asked Questions About Imperative
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Imperative about?
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.
Who directed Imperative?
Imperative was directed by Krzysztof Zanussi.
Who stars in Imperative?
The principal cast of Imperative includes Robert Powell, Brigitte Fossey, Zbigniew Zapasiewicz, Matthias Habich, Sigfrit Steiner.
When was Imperative released and how long is it?
Imperative was released in 1982 with a total runtime of 1h 42m.
Who composed the musical score for Imperative?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Imperative was composed by Wojciech Kilar.