Took some advice and watched "The Lives of Others" last night. A insightful, interesting and beautiful film based on the Stasi(The Ministry for State Security) in the GDR(German Democratic Republic).Set in the early 80's it lends itself heavily upon the style and fashion of the orange and browns of the 70's. There has been critiques that this heavy use of over stylized locations but I say it works. It dosent go over board in a visual way or rely heavily on it such as I felt was the case in 'A Single Man' by Tom Ford (Another recent watch, set in the 60's).
The character development throughout has you hating, frustrated and confused at many but I feel it is all essential and the plot behind the film could easily be mistaken for a true story. I am not a major war film fan but I do have an interest in something which I never experienced in my life time and that is East Germany. It is curious to delve into this world and I feel that this is the best representation I have seen. Based on the fact I have seen 'Goodbye Lenin' as the only other example minimises the choice.
My only issue with the film which left me some what disappointed has to be the ending. (Dont worry no spoilers). I feel it lacked a lot of power with the final scene. The film is a full fiction so there is no need to have that sort of ending. I feel it is a some what copout a stupid ending that left me frustrated as the film had been so great up to that. I thought the actors were all superb and that the lead role, Ulrich Mühe as Hauptmann Gerd Wiesler. Was perfect as the sneaky and quiet Stasi officer playing the role I felt to a T.The film which set a record for the number of nominations for the German Film Awards (11) was made on a budget of €1.6 Million($2 million) which is rather impressive to say the least. All of the props are genuine Stasi equipment borrowed from museums and collections which must have saved a lot but the true beauty of the film is the actors. All of the actors supposedly accepted 20% of their usual salaries as to be able to make the film. I think that speaks for itself about how great they felt this story was but also how important it was that this film was made.
I have to stick a pretty high and genuine 4/5. The ending was a major disappointment but dont let me be the one to stop you watching it, just stop it 5 minutes from the end and you will be fine.
The film does offer a rather unconvincing attempt at reconciliation at the end. Interesting one to think of in the context of film's trying to make sense of Germany's violent and fractured past, though. So I suppose reconciliation of some sort is considered the order of the day.
ReplyDeleteI think though the film is given its best review/critique by zizek. He really hits home with some great points.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3183/the_dreams_of_others/
I thought Dr.Knabe hits on a vital area that I felt didnt work and that is the building of the Stasi man into a some what hero.
"Dr Knabe objects to "making the Stasi man into a hero". He recounts that von Donnersmarck "would not be persuaded otherwise", and notes that the director cited Schindler's List as justification for what he planned to do. "But that is exactly the difference," Knabe says. "There was a Schindler. There was no Wiesler."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2007/may/05/featuresreviews.guardianreview12