Journals Showcase (Witryna Czasopism.pl)

Upon arriving in Brussels the unsuspecting newcomer will find himself in an environment resembling a gigantic amusement park. This impression will be gradually strengthened by comic murals on city walls, scenes from comics decorating the facades of old mansions - present there, judging by their worn look, since around 1950; cafes for comic freaks, a museum of cartoons in the heart of the city, second-hand comic shops everywhere and a monument in the city centre, which instead of a historical figure commemorates Tintin, one of the most famous Belgian comic characters along with Lucky Luke and the Smurfs.

Versatility or specialisation? In other words: should filmmakers - this concerns mainly directors and actors - develop in one direction only and enhance their skills or should they do the opposite – explore new ways of expression and stand on both sides of the camera? Anyone who is in favour of the latter could remind us the genius of Charlie Chaplin – director, screenwriter, actor and composer in one person. Alfred Hitchcock appeared in each of his own films, but these appearances could hardly be called even episodes. Orson Welles, on the other hand, used to cast himself in leading roles. Woody Allen, Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford or Mel Gibson appear on both sides of the lens; Roman Polański willingly acts - both in the colleagues' productions – Wajda's Revenge or Tornatore's Pure Formality – and in his own, such as The Fearless Vampire Killers or The Tenant.