The Constant Factor 1980

Witold's mountaineering beginnings and recruitment

Witold, a graduate of an electricians' school, participates in high-mountain climbing during his military service. A mountaineer at the shelter mentions Witold's father, who died on a mountain expedition. Thanks to the business card given by that mountaineer, Witold later secures a job in an exhibition company after finishing his service.

Opens job in exhibition company; works abroad

After completing his service, Witold obtains a job in an exhibition company thanks to the card. This opportunity lets him work abroad often. He soon notices that his boss, Mariusz, is issuing fraudulent visas.

Discovery of visa fraud during overseas assignments

While working abroad, Witold becomes aware that his boss Mariusz is issuing fraudulent visas. This revelation shakes his trust in the company. He continues to work abroad despite the wrongdoing.

Mother's sudden illness and hospital visit

Witold's mother becomes suddenly ill, and he travels to a provincial town to see her. In the hospital, she lies on a bed in the corridor because there is no space. A nurse explains that a bribe would have helped; his intervention is unsuccessful.

Mother dies and Witold's grief fuels defiance

Witold's terminally ill mother returns home and dies. Unable to shake off his mother's death, he rebels against Mariusz when invited to participate in minor frauds on his next business trip.

Framing at customs and loss of freedom

Witold, together with his military colleague Stefan, plans a Himalaya trip. His colleagues frame him and, at customs clearance, an undeclared amount of two hundred dollars is found on him. His career prospects crumble.

Job loss; Grażyna stays by him

Witold loses his job as a consequence of the incident. The only person who remains close is Grażyna, the nurse he knows from earlier.

A new life as window cleaner and scaffolder

With no steady job, Witold earns his living by cleaning windows on skyscrapers and by erecting scaffolding during monument renovations. This work keeps him high above the ground and exposes him to the dangers of renovation sites.

Unregistered studies at the Polytechnic

As an unregistered student, he attends mathematics lectures at the Polytechnic. A professor encourages him to pursue regular studies, but Witold remains skeptical about taking up formal education.

Accident during scaffolding

While working on a crumbling facade, a small child chasing a ball is hit by falling debris. The incident underscores the fragility of his environment and the precariousness of his new life.