Hanover, Germany – January 1, 2011
A Phobia on the Force: When a Detective Fears Crime Scenes
A german romantic comedy explores the unlikely partnership between a phobic police officer and a shy hairdresser as they unravel a murder mystery.
- The film centers on Robert, a detective with a crippling fear of crime scenes.
- Annette Ernst directed the film,building on her success with “Kiss and Run.”
- Peter Heinrich Brix and Anica Dobra star as the central,mismatched couple.
- The story blends humor and suspense in a unique crime comedy.
The premise sounds like a sitcom pitch: a criminal police officer terrified of, well, crime. But in the 2011 German feature film, “The Man Who Can Do Everything,” this is precisely the situation facing Robert, played by Peter heinrich Brix. His phobia prevents him from pursuing suspects or even entering a crime scene, much to the exasperation of his superior, Horst Hoff (Ralph Herforth), who frequently mocks him and suggests he find another line of work.
despite his unusual handicap, Robert isn’t willing to give up his career.the film follows his journey as he teams up with a shy hairdresser, portrayed by Anica Dobra, to solve a murder case. Against all odds, this unlikely duo forms a “splendid dream couple” and navigates the challenges of both romance and investigation.
Director Annette Ernst, previously recognized for her award-winning film “kiss and Run,” employs pointed wordplay and situational comedy to bring Norbert Eberlein’s original script to life. The cast also includes Ralph Herforth, julia Schäfle, Gerd Baltus, and Lars Rudolph, adding depth and humor to the narrative.
The film doesn’t shy away from the absurdity of its central concept, instead leaning into the comedic potential of a fearful officer attempting to uphold the law.It’s a lighthearted take on the crime genre, offering a refreshing blend of romance, mystery, and humor.
Why the film was made: “The Man Who Can Do Everything” originated from a desire to explore the comedic possibilities of a protagonist with a significant professional limitation. Writer Norbert Eberlein and Director Annette Ernst wanted to subvert the typical detective archetype. Who is involved: The film stars Peter Heinrich Brix as Robert, the phobic detective, and anica Dobra as the hairdresser who assists him. Key supporting roles are played by Ralph Herforth, Julia Schäfle, Gerd Baltus, and Lars Rudolph.What happens: The story revolves around Robert and his partner solving a murder case despite Robert’s crippling fear of crime scenes. They develop a romantic relationship throughout the investigation. How it ends: The film concludes with Robert and his partner successfully solving the murder, proving that even with his phobia, he is a capable detective.They also solidify their romantic relationship, finding happiness both professionally and personally. The ending emphasizes the triumph of overcoming personal limitations and the power of an unlikely partnership.
