VIDEO REWIND : An Early Taste of Polanski Vision

Roman Polanski’s first feature was “Knife in the Water,” a disturbing mind game of a movie that established him as the new hotshot on the international scene.

The picture is spooky in a very mundane way. Polanski wants to tap into uncomfortable feelings we face in situations that appear ordinary but actually may be exceptional, even dangerous.

He creates that sense by putting three people in an innocuous setting, a sailboat on a nice day. “Knife in the Water” starts with Andrzej (Leon Niemczyk) and Christine (Jolanta Umecka) driving toward a dock, having a typical husband-and-wife talk. Out of nowhere, a young hitchhiker (Zygmunt Malanowicz) throws himself in front of the car, presaging the drama to come.

Initially angry, Andrzej becomes curious and impulsively invites the unidentified man to join them on the lake. Once there, the conversation is basically amiable but punctuated by dagger-like comments that come out unexpectedly. Andrzej and the hitchhiker begin to compete, their manhood at stake, with the beautiful Christine as both prize and cynical jury.

Nothing much specific happens; Polanski, known for spurts of violence in his later films, is more interested in hinting at the rage that begins to well up in both men. Most of the momentum is provided by the dialogue and the actors’ facial expressions and body language.

Polanski adds to the uneasiness by making “Knife in the Water” (the title comes from the young man’s only possession, a stiletto) nearly claustrophobic. The only environment is provided by the small boat, and the actors always seem to be pressing against it or each other in the tightly shot scenes.

Some of the scenes are hypnotic, especially when the two men explode in the confrontation you knew was coming. It’s dynamic not only because it provides the action we’ve been craving, but also because of how it affects Andrzej and Christine. Now they must face who they really are and whether they can stay together.

“Knife in the Water” (1962), directed by Roman Polanski. 94 minutes. Not rated.