'My Nikifor' - ASSIGNMENT TX
" (...) Embodying a disabled, yet visionary painter who could barely communicate, Gliniak comes up with a memorable, waltzing theme that’s expresses itself through both wry humor and emotion in a quirkily subtle way that Wes Anderson would no doubt appreciate, not only getting across a witty Eastern European atmosphere but also the quirky personality of an “outsider” artist. With a circus-like sound that echoes both Nino Rota and the intrigue of THE THIRD MAN composer Anton Karas, Gliniak has both sympathetic fun with the grizzled old man (played onscreen by a woman no less), while also realizing a sense of heartfelt poignancy beyond the seeming craziness. It’s the kind of hat trick that made BUDAPEST so memorable as a score and film, and pays off here nicely as a droll, charming listen that plays both a classical old country and a visionary in his own whimsically misunderstood world of color. For Gliniak, MY NIKIFOR couldn’t be more colorful signpost to Hollywood at signaling his talent."
Review by Daniel Schweiger (August 11th, 2014)
'My Nikifor' - MOVIE MUSIC INTERNATIONAL
"I love the way in which the cimbalom is utilized throughout the work and punctuated and accompanied by slightly roguish sounding pizzicato strings that add a certain devilish appeal to the proceedings.
The reoccurring 4 note motif and variations of it is one that you will never tire of simply because it is infectious and also because the composer arranges and orchestrates it in so many fresh and different guises
This is a polished and enjoyable score and one I would recommend in a heartbeat. Please check it out, you will not be sorry'.
Movie Music International (May 27, 2014)
"Lord of the Carpathians" - MOVIE MUSIC UK
"One thing I especially love about Gliniak’s work here is the innovativeness he shows in his orchestration choices and instrumental combinations. Every cue has some unusual or unexpected texture which makes the musical makeup of the score fascinating. (...) every facet of the score shows a composer completely at ease with his own technique. Sometimes the idea lasts for just a few seconds, sometimes across multiple cues, but it makes the score endlessly absorbing."
Review by Jonathan Broxton
"Deceived" ("Oszukane") - MOVIE MUSIC UK
"The score for the film is by a young, exceptionally talented Polish composer, Bartlomiej Gliniak, who impressed with his breakout score Teah in 2008, and is building quite a reputation for himself as one of the rising stars of Polish film music.This is a very impressive score from a composer who will likely be unfamiliar to most people outside Poland, but whose work deserves wider recognition.This comes highly recommended, and with a notification to keep our eye on this man."
Review by Jonathan Broxton
"Teah" - muzykafilmowa.pl
“The soundtrack, which shows that Bartłomiej Gliniak will surprise us with his music not once or twice. ”Teah” is one of the most interesting soundtracks I’ve had a chance to listen this year (…). The predominant feeling while listening to this music is some kind of mysticism and mystery. The part of the composition creates a feeling of anxiety mixed with a fairy tale world, known from “The Faun’s Labyrinth “. There is some magic in this music as well.(…) “Bartłomiej Gliniak presents his great craftsmanship and his skill of writing melodies which perfectly blend with the film history.(…)”
Review by Łukasz Waligórski
"11" - The Independent Critic
"Lensing from Altin Kaftira is nothing short of mesmerizing, both unsettling and humane, while Bartek Gliniak's original music companions the film to perfection."
Review by Richard Propes
"Joanna" - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
"Piotr Sliskowski's perfect cinematography -- in the muted tones of that grey-dreary era -- and an excellent original score by Bartlomiej Gliniak complement Falk's powerful script and somber vision."
Barry Paris
"Joanna" - www.filmneweurope.com
“Feliks Falk, one of the masters of Polish cinema, returns with “Joanna”, a moving story of love and courage set during WWII.”
"Twist & Blood" - www.seetrailer.com
''…the film is beautifully shot, the acting from the lead, James Fordham is incredible and the story is something that resonates with viewers despite age, ethnicity, or background…''
Summre Garber, Programming and Submissions ManagerSlamdance IFF, March 15, 2011
"Palimpsest" - Stopklatka.pl
“The image plays on one’s feelings, causes anxiety, suspense, maybe even fear. It pushes one into the seats, takes one out from common scheme of thinking., it throws one into deep water. It’s an elaborate construction (…) it’s the best Polish film I’ve seen for many years.
I recommend it not only to the fans of thrillers but also to everyone who likes well-made movies.”
Review by Agata Zbikowska
"Palimpsest" - portalwww.eu
"The opening subtitles accompanied by evocative and alarming music bring the viewer into the world of nightmare. The director creates an atmosphere bordering on waking and sleep, making use of a brilliant soundtrack by Bartek Gliniak".
Review by Anna Solomiewicz
"Case Unknown" - www.alieninwarsaw.blox.pl
“The film is fabulous, great music perfectly completes the picture and creates the atmosphere of suspense, a viewer also gets into the story and tries to resolve the mystery of NN patient.”
The Collector - WirtualnaPolska
"When speaking about the roles and the class of this film I’m going to stress that music hardly ever plays so well in Polish films, perfectly matching the image.”
Review by Hanka Wesierska
“My Nikifor” - Stopklatka.pl
" 'My Nikifor' is a pearl in a deep ocean. The cinema which not only stays deep in one’s memory but also leaves its imprint. Being devoid of an artistic manner it remains profound and natural art. It deserves a huge standing ovation.
Artur Cichminski