Cracovians and travellers were faced with a peculiar sight today as they strolled down the main thoroughfare of Slawkowska street. For much of the day, a small corner of the Old Town was commandeered by a film crew who are involved in a major production about the early life of the Pope.
About a hundred extras were involved in the scene, which was being shot outside the small gothic church of St. Marks. This faded, residential corner of the Old Town is notably bereft of shops, and even without a crowd dressed in 1930's costume the sense of a time-warp is palpable. Today the illusion was complete.
It is often said that the reality of making films is unglamourous, and having strolled past the action (or non-action) Cracow Life feels tempted to agree.
A great deal of standing around like a lemon seems to be the main pre-occupation, whilst a handful of minders get on with the serious business of muttering things to each other on walkie-talkies.
When Cracow Life walked back down the same street a few hours later (having undertaken a string of dangerous adventures in the meantime) our scribbler was surprised to find that everything was exactly as it had been three hours previously. More talking on walkie-talkies, more standing around like lemons.
Allthesame, we would more than happily take a role in the film, especially if we get to wear the amusing 1930's hats and pin-stripe suits.
The film itself is a two part drama directed by Italian hotshot Giacomo Battiato. Thirty two year old Polish actor Piotr Adamczyk was selected for the role of the Pope-to-be - Cracovians agree that this is a good choice.
His Holiness lived for much of his life in Poland's second city. He was ordained as a priest here, and later served as Archbishop during the trying communist period. He is regarded as a national hero of the very first magnitude.
On the commercial side, Pope John Paul II's books have proved bestsellers across the world, and the Italian film company that is making the film is hoping to be able to bring the production to a global audience. The production is intended for television and it will be divided into two ninety minute episodes. A release date is still uncertain, but the filming is due to be completed in the Spring of 2005.
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