This is Polanski's earliest short to tell a complete story, and also his first to use sound. In style it doesn't look particularly Polanski-like if you are used to his later work. It seems to mostly be an exercise in editing and the use of inserts I don't think a single shot lasts more than a few seconds, a far cry from the long takes I would associate with his features.
Polanski is also taking the opportunity here to experiment with music and sound design, implementing the jazz that is integral to his early work. This is Let's Break the Ball's greatest strength it has a rhythm to it, something which it is essential for all novice filmmakers to get to grips with. Polanski appears to have grasped it right from the word go.
Story-wise, the theme of a gang of yobs crashing a rather tame, studenty social event is typical of the young, rebellious Polanski, and it's likely there is some sort of upstart message to the authorities intended here. Apparently the partygoers were not forewarned and the attack was genuine arranged by Polanski as a kind of realist stunt. There are so many varied camera angles and close-ups though that I think many of the little set pieces and inserts like the women's skirts being ripped must have been staged.
This is fairly entertaining for a student short. A nice little touch are the bookends which show in utter contrast to the bulk of the film the set up and aftermath of the party respectively. Let's Break the Ball is Polanski's first proper opportunity to try out a few techniques, and also his dynamic announcement of his arrival.
Polanski is also taking the opportunity here to experiment with music and sound design, implementing the jazz that is integral to his early work. This is Let's Break the Ball's greatest strength it has a rhythm to it, something which it is essential for all novice filmmakers to get to grips with. Polanski appears to have grasped it right from the word go.
Story-wise, the theme of a gang of yobs crashing a rather tame, studenty social event is typical of the young, rebellious Polanski, and it's likely there is some sort of upstart message to the authorities intended here. Apparently the partygoers were not forewarned and the attack was genuine arranged by Polanski as a kind of realist stunt. There are so many varied camera angles and close-ups though that I think many of the little set pieces and inserts like the women's skirts being ripped must have been staged.
This is fairly entertaining for a student short. A nice little touch are the bookends which show in utter contrast to the bulk of the film the set up and aftermath of the party respectively. Let's Break the Ball is Polanski's first proper opportunity to try out a few techniques, and also his dynamic announcement of his arrival.