an uninteresting story indeed

A title aptly reflecting the sardonic mindset of the protagonist in this good adaptation by venerable Polish director Has of a short story by Chekhov. A once successful scientist declines into desperation in his old age; he suffers insomnia and writer's block and is bitter and cynical. Worst, though he is well liked and admired, he becomes callous and rude to family, friends and students. It's the professor's underlying self-reflective sadness about his own condition which makes this so moving.