The first part of the trilogy of Skolimowski's movies with the lead character of Andrzej Leszczyc, a rebellious youth in his twenties searching for the meaning of life. Each time the character was played by the director himself and was a clear reflection of his experiences.

Several short student films that Skolimowski made during his four years at the Lódz State Film School were used for his debut feature. The entire movie consists of only 29 takes.

It is often said that following the movie's New York premiere Jean-Luc Godard wrote a letter to Skolimowski, advising him not to care about the reviews in the American press. Godard was to call both Skolimowski and himself as the two greatest directors in the world.