Mateusz Birkut is a fictional character from the Polish film Man of Marble, directed by Andrzej Wajda. He is portrayed as a young bricklayer who becomes a symbol of the working class in post-war Poland. Birkut's story highlights the struggles and aspirations of laborers during a time of political and social change. In the film, Birkut's life is documented by a film student, showcasing his rise to fame as a model worker and the subsequent challenges he faces. His character serves as a critique of the idealized image of workers promoted by the state, reflecting the complexities of individual experiences within a collective society.