Tomasz, in his early forties, has a successful career and is in a meaningful, harmonious relationship with his wife Ewa. They live in a well appointed, airy flat. Wojciech, his father, suffers from schizophrenia. He lives in a public housing project, in a neglected, depressing flat and has alienated his neighbors and local merchants by his violent and asocial behavior. His wife, Tomasz's mother, is around but has given up long ago all hopes of taking care of, or even helping Wojciech.
Tomasz is faced with the usual dilemma of caring for the elderly. Commitment to a psychiatric institution means that Wojciech will be safe and his needs taken care of but it also means he will be exposed to patients in in conditions much worse than his (Wojciech is physically fit and perfectly lucid within his twisted reality). Against his best interests Tomasz refuses to commit his father which makes his life hell; he is constantly summoned for getting his father out of situations. This works in detriment of his domestic and professional life. There is also fear of heredity (Ewa is pregnant).
Fear of Heights (original title) is a disturbing, atmospheric film. Cinematography favors cold colors, which increases the feeling of unease and tension Acting is first rate, especially from Marcin Dorocinsky (Tomasz) and Krzysztof Janicki (Wojciech) who are on screen most of the time. A beautiful but difficult film, an immersion in anxiety.
