Cold War, with its dramatic black-and-white photography, was one of the most visually arresting films of 2018. Its 3:2 aspect ratio contributes to its beauty as well. Unlike 2015's Son of Saul, which used the boxier aspect ratio to convey the claustrophobia of Auschwitz, Cold War uses it to compose images of remarkable height and depth in Poland's ravaged post-war landscape. At a trim 90 minutes, much of Cold War's narrative occurs between the precious images and representative scenes that Polish auteur Pawel Pawlikowski has selected. It's much like Pawlikowski's previous film Ida (2014), in this respect: spare but searing, with only the most important moments elevated. It screens tonight at 9:20 and tomorrow at 4:15 p.m. at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque. Tickets cost $10, or $7 for members and students. (Sam Allard)