A psychological study of Kuba, a man addicted to alcohol, who can’t keep relations with others or see meaning in life, and who is inevitably and ferociously headed for a tragic end. The film is extremely suggestive and powerful. The title noose is a metaphor of the ever contracting environment tightening around Kuba and at the same time his ultimate escape from the trap of life. The action of the film takes place on one day.
The excellent debut of Wojciech Jerzy Has, one of the most significant Polish film directors.
Kuba is an alcoholic who lives in an apartment full of various objects, resembling a storage with theater props. He waits for Krystyna, his fiancée, who is to take him to the doctor. He is to undergo a therapy which is supposed to help him fight his addiction. The lonely wait is unbearable for Kuba. His peace and quiet is constantly interrupted by the phone calls from his friends. Finally, he gets irritated and goes to town. Wandering through the streets, he meets his old love, gets involved in a street fight and ends up at a police station. Upon his release he first goes to a bar, where he listens to the pessimistic prognoses of another alcoholic. Slowly but with inexorable certainty he begins to realize that he can’t win and that he has no chance of getting free from his addiction. Krystyna once again forgives him and agrees to meet the next day. In the morning Kuba drinks half a bottle of vodka. Resigned, he eventually commits suicide by hanging himself on the chandelier.
