Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Here and there
Posts: 4,143
Barbara (2012, Petzold)
A movie about a female doctor banished to the country side for her digressions in 80s Iron Curtain ruled East Germany.
It is directed with a pretty straightforward manner with attention to realism detail and atmosphere (where door clicks, birds, bicycles, footsteps, everything that makes sound can have a meaning.) The narrative in many places is predictable and to some extent even contrived as well. But all of this is balanced by austere, deliberate and totally non-melodramatic direction and treatment of the material (by the way no soundtrack except some pieces by Chopin.) The events and developments occur as we have pretty much already figured (expect the ending which I will come to in a bit) but they take their time, their natural time and don't force themselves on us. Nuanced like real life.
The ending is understated but simply devastating. The fact that it was shot at sea, a raging night sea, aptly complements what must be going on inside the lead character's silent, emotional turmoil. One can argue that the conclusion is that part which can be labeled as sentimental or unreal, but again, how it is treated makes it more of something life-affirming than manipulative, more about hope than merely idealistic.
Nina Hoss' performance is the whole film (no wonder she is the eponymous character.) Those eyes She switches effortlessly from an urbane, chilly persona when out in the public, to a wistful and guarded when alone, and tender and even vulnerable when with her lover. A display of controlled and carefully measured performance. She is fully supported by her co-star Ronald Zehrfeld (his colleague in the penal town) who's last scene when she sees Barbara is spectacular.
Nina Hoss is one of the finest working actresses and I eagerly await the time of day that I'm ready to put this one on. Love her collaborations with Petzoid so far. (Her performances, not the films themselves).
Thank you for your write-up. I will surely reply when I have something to say.
I love the mystery of the film. Like other Petzold films, there is a lot left unsaid. In the past, that has made his films enjoyable viewing experiences, but eventually I forget all about them and their stories. There's something very tenuous about his grip on the world - and I think I understand it now: it's in his writing. As a director, he has a very clear vision that is sometimes uninspired, but always beautiful and significant. The design is nothing new - in fact, I'm noticing a trend in contemporary German cinematography - but it is captivating, and coupled with Nina Hoss' expressive eyes, you've got something. Now, as for the writing, I think this is his best film to date, but the dialogue is stifling and is too often the bridge of communicating ideas to its viewer. I think most of the major ideas are explicitly stated: like how everyone in the town is into everyone else's business; how no one is casual and everyone is presumptive, or if they're not they're too indifferent to treat you, if you're unusual, with warmth; things like that. But for the most part, it isn''t cumbersome and the plot enthrallingly unfolds as the structure of the story is excellent. In this sense, I found the film to have been only partly fulfilled because there was a lot of potential for some really searing and intense stuff. I don't think the protagonist is given enough conflict given the circumstance - it's basically a woman in a situation wanting to get out, but feeling uncertain if it's possible, which is kind of boring, I would've liked it if she had been given more of a reason to stick it out, but how the film unfolds is still plenty satisfying; abundantly conveying how dyspeptic Barbara's circumstance really is. In a sense, she is a martyr and I only wish I could have gotten to know her more.
Nonetheless, a very good film that is thought-provoking, or at the very least mentally stimulating. All in a film that is also pretty interesting the whole way through and concludes with a good amount of satisfaction that may change the way you think about the film altogether. I love how she saves the child but not herself, knowing she can save this unknown child, that no one will look for her, but that she will be looked for: what chance is there for her? It's brilliant, actually. Truly one-note, but so very, very effective. (A nomination for cinematography: Nina Hoss is my #7)
Last edited by forizzer69; 12-31-2012 at 09:05 AM.
Although saving the child instead of herself when the man said "one person only" was predictable and logical, her response; no thinking, no regrets, no decision-making; was a bit surprising and quite astonishing. The ending is amazing.
The man who leaves and the man who comes back are not the same.
Although saving the child instead of herself when the man said "one person only" was predictable and logical, her response; no thinking, no regrets, no decision-making; was a bit surprising and quite astonishing. The ending is amazing.
I wish it didn't have that line - in fact I missed it, so my interpretation might be wrong, but... I thought she gave them the child and not herself because they might just keep following her/she would never feel privacy ever again so why bother? So it was like her ultimate submission. I love that thought.
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Here and there
Posts: 4,143
Originally Posted by forizzer69
I wish it didn't have that line - in fact I missed it, so my interpretation might be wrong, but... I thought she gave them the child and not herself because they might just keep following her/she would never feel privacy ever again so why bother? So it was like her ultimate submission. I love that thought.
I don't think that is what was going on. Because,although I am no expert on East/West Germany politics, it didn't work that that they would have hounded her even if she crossed over. She was not even a major political figure that they would go after her across the border. Moreover, this kind of thing was fairly common that is why she and her lover were attempting it in the first place.
I don't think that is what was going on. Because,although I am no expert on East/West Germany politics, it didn't work that that they would have hounded her even if she crossed over. She was not even a major political figure that they would go after her across the border. Moreover, this kind of thing was fairly common that is why she and her lover were attempting it in the first place.
Well that's kind of boring! Will she ever escape? Her lover wasn't exactly that cool, so maybe she digs this other guy? That's cool... agh, they should've done more!
I wish it didn't have that line - in fact I missed it, so my interpretation might be wrong, but... I thought she gave them the child and not herself because they might just keep following her/she would never feel privacy ever again so why bother? So it was like her ultimate submission. I love that thought.
That is an interesting interpretation although I'm not sure I prefer it, and in any case, I think she would stay behind as she had just gotten her life somewhat on track again and she couldn't do it all over again, again. And I do think she had gotten to like the doctor and in the very last scene, a lot can be fleshed out about their future relationship if the viewer so desires.
The man who leaves and the man who comes back are not the same.
That is an interesting interpretation although I'm not sure I prefer it, and in any case, I think she would stay behind as she had just gotten her life somewhat on track again and she couldn't do it all over again, again. And I do think she had gotten to like the doctor and in the very last scene, a lot can be fleshed out about their future relationship if the viewer so desires.
Very true and interesting. I guess this is a lot like other Petzold films where the emotions are elusive and all that we can really say is true is what he shows us; which is usually esoteric to begin with. Compelling stuff, but not completely satisfying for me. (I love his style as a director - I just wish his writing was more resolute and interesting, and not just Nina Hoss. )
I love the mystery of the film. Like other Petzold films, there is a lot left unsaid. In the past, that has made his films enjoyable viewing experiences, but eventually I forget all about them and their stories. There's something very tenuous about his grip on the world - and I think I understand it now: it's in his writing. As a director, he has a very clear vision that is sometimes uninspired, but always beautiful and significant. The design is nothing new - in fact, I'm noticing a trend in contemporary German cinematography - but it is captivating, and coupled with Nina Hoss' expressive eyes, you've got something. Now, as for the writing, I think this is his best film to date, but the dialogue is stifling and is too often the bridge of communicating ideas to its viewer. I think most of the major ideas are explicitly stated: like how everyone in the town is into everyone else's business; how no one is casual and everyone is presumptive, or if they're not they're too indifferent to treat you, if you're unusual, with warmth; things like that. But for the most part, it isn''t cumbersome and the plot enthrallingly unfolds as the structure of the story is excellent. In this sense, I found the film to have been only partly fulfilled because there was a lot of potential for some really searing and intense stuff. I don't think the protagonist is given enough conflict given the circumstance - it's basically a woman in a situation wanting to get out, but feeling uncertain if it's possible, which is kind of boring, I would've liked it if she had been given more of a reason to stick it out, but how the film unfolds is still plenty satisfying; abundantly conveying how dyspeptic Barbara's circumstance really is. In a sense, she is a martyr and I only wish I could have gotten to know her more.
Nonetheless, a very good film that is thought-provoking, or at the very least mentally stimulating. All in a film that is also pretty interesting the whole way through and concludes with a good amount of satisfaction that may change the way you think about the film altogether. I love how she saves the child but not herself, knowing she can save this unknown child, that no one will look for her, but that she will be looked for: what chance is there for her? It's brilliant, actually. Truly one-note, but so very, very effective. (A nomination for cinematography: Nina Hoss is my #7)
Agree with most of this, although I'd place Hoss much higher than #7 in my ballot! The only female leading eprformance this year that has truly done something for me (Riva, Wallis, Weisz, might be technically perfect, but not that alive or expressive to me).
Plus am I the only one (who is naively simplifying) that thinks that the ending was mainly about sacrifice rather than anything else?
Yeah I agree with that. Does anybody really disagree? I mean, a lot of the point is the essential goodness of ordinary people even in front of an inhumane system. Same point made when André (Zehrfeld) helps the officer's ill wife. These are common people knowing they have to help each other to survive in such a hostile surounding. And it's not like, super mamby pamny about sacrifice, it shows it's a bitch to do things for others, but it's also what keeps us humane and what each one needs to get along.
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Here and there
Posts: 4,143
Originally Posted by McTeague
Yeah I agree with that. Does anybody really disagree? I mean, a lot of the point is the essential goodness of ordinary people even in front of an inhumane system. Same point made when André (Zehrfeld) helps the officer's ill wife. These are common people knowing they have to help each other to survive in such a hostile surounding. And it's not like, super mamby pamny about sacrifice, it shows it's a bitch to do things for others, but it's also what keeps us humane and what each one needs to get along.
I think so, yes. forizzer69's (desired?) interpretation, as I understand, was a bit different from this.
Ah, yes, it seems forizzer construes it in a really weird way! I think the theme of sacrifice runs throughout the movie. That last ultimate sacrifice goes in line with everything she and the other doctor do for their patients. I was sure in the end that sick girl was going to be what undid her, because of her generosity. I think Petzold hints onto that all the time, and it was somewhat predictable! (although the final outcome wasn't... she could have been caught, girl could have been caught... glad it wasn't all that pessimistic, we already know she could have been caught and how harsh reality often is, but sometimes it isn't).
Agree with most of this, although I'd place Hoss much higher than #7 in my ballot! The only female leading eprformance this year that has truly done something for me (Riva, Wallis, Weisz, might be technically perfect, but not that alive or expressive to me).
You are so right about it. For me even better than Riva and Lawrence.
My personal number one performance this year.
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Hollywood
Posts: 2,711
I was actually kind of confused by what was going on. Or, rather, I wasn't finding much that it all adds up to? The scuba diver suddenly appearing to carry the girl across the sea made me laugh internally for a moment. I guess it's plausible, but it was just kind of like "oh, so this is happening now ".
She switches effortlessly from an urbane, chilly persona when out in the public, to a wistful and guarded when alone, and tender and even vulnerable when with her lover. A display of controlled and carefully measured performance. She is fully supported by her co-star Ronald Zehrfeld (his colleague in the penal town) who's last scene when she sees Barbara is spectacular.
Reply With Quote
). Hoss was absolutely brilliant.
Originally Posted by Atonenent.
I think the theme of sacrifice runs throughout the movie. That last ultimate sacrifice goes in line with everything she and the other doctor do for their patients. I was sure in the end that sick girl was going to be what undid her, because of her generosity. I think Petzold hints onto that all the time, and it was somewhat predictable! (although the final outcome wasn't... she could have been caught, girl could have been caught... glad it wasn't all that pessimistic, we already know she could have been caught and how harsh reality often is, but sometimes it isn't).
".
