With two scenes, this film goes beyond the scope of the usual TV evening entertainment: There is Eva Mattes as Petra, as she screams all the anger buried deep in the body of an aging woman under masculine work clothes. . During this belt she almost hits the tip of her nose against the nose of her colleague: Adele Neuhauser who is just as angry as Josefa, who was once called Josef and was Petra’s husband.
And then there is the moment when Ulrich Noethen, as childhood friend Josefa Blume, unexpectedly sees the woman who left the village in Upper Bavaria as a man and returned as a woman after many years, watching her for moment, then she takes a face. in both hands like one precious gift and finally takes it in his arms. Josefa lets any tears fall into her wrinkles.
The film does almost everything right with Adele Neuhauser
Both times, the best part of the story comes together in cleverly chosen opportunities for great actors, which screenwriter “Tatort” Uli Brée and director Dirk Kummer staged for the first: “Unvarnished ” which shows a confrontation between a woman and her history. This could easily be veered into the shallow or too variety-good-intentions, and indeed there are some pleasant in glimpses with the vision of the younger self itself, the hit like the ubiquitous Alpine Herrgottswinkel or the row -home like the forced family-friendly. ended.
But with Adele Neuhauser, Bree has done almost everything right that he could have done wrong. Years ago he wrote the role of the tough and warm-hearted Viennese criminal investigator Bibi Fellner for her and more recently as a beauty consultant in crisis mode in the comedy “Faltenfrei”; Now the Austrian can capitalize on her huge popularity by embodying a character that transcends gender boundaries.
Can she play that?
Is she allowed to do that? The demand that only transgender people should be allowed to play transient characters has not yet come to her, Adele Neuhauser told the KNA news agency in an interview. The people she affected whom she talked about didn’t see any problem either in a display of empathetic acting, no matter who it was. The actress herself has experienced being wrongly assigned a gender by others: before a vocal cord operation in her early twenties, her voice was so deep that she was repeatedly referred to as “Mr.
She later publicly discussed her emotional distress as a child of separation who came to Austria from Greece and survived several suicide attempts. What allows Adele Neuhauser to slip into the role of Josefa like a tailored suit is less empathy through such experience or her hard charisma, but skills she was
Josefa’s life seems to be only in Munich, which seems to be vaguely orderly, under control: She is married to a passive aggressive man, who is always guilty (Matthias Matschke) who demands her attention, works she acts as an identity counselor and supports others like her. Antonia’s friend, who keeps coming back is the target of anti-queer attacks – this role is played by the transient actress Hayal Kaya. A case of inheritance forces Josefa to return to her native village, where things that have been silent for a long time must force their way, little by little, into the realm of what can be said.
What sets the film apart is that it only deals with Josefa’s injuries, causing her to run “for her life” and break away from everyone in the village. Because of the lack of speech of her ex-wife Petra, who is also emotionally affected, Eva Mattes is almost physically tangible; Incidentally, their cast is reminiscent of Radu Gabrea’s Fassbinder homage to “A Man Like EVA”. The character of Ulrich Noethen, who goes around the farm as a personnel of friendliness, has his own problems with openness in a village community that can react to deviation from the norm with aggression. When Antonia floats like a bird of paradise into deep isolation, the conflicts do not break out without funny moments – but after a clarification they can give way to a conciliatory laugh.
With the exception of the main character’s dead father, no character from his immediate environment is portrayed as malicious; That doesn’t stop Josefa from verbally harassing Blume when he talks about an alleged transmog. Basically, it’s less about gender identity than it is about disappointed love, unfulfilled expectations, forgiveness and seeing yourself unconditionally as a human being. That’s very optimistic, and sometimes the drama goes smoothly like Josefa on her unisex bicycle, which has become a symbol of being yourself.
But if at the end of a film about transgression that avoids clichés, the biggest disagreement is that the main character is supposed to come from Bavaria, but the famous actor speaks with a slightly Viennese touch, that is no mean feat.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Film Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have a special guest, a film expert who has been closely following the latest trends in cinema. We are thrilled to dive into a recent film that has captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling and powerful performances. Thank you for joining us!
Expert: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this remarkable film.
Editor: Let’s jump right into it. This film features compelling performances by Eva Mattes and Adele Neuhauser. What stands out to you about their portrayals of Petra and Josefa?
Expert: Absolutely! Eva Mattes as Petra delivers such raw emotion, especially in that scene where her character screams her frustration and anger. It’s a visceral representation of the struggles that an aging woman faces in a male-dominated environment. Meanwhile, Neuhauser as Josefa brings a layered complexity to her character, navigating her past struggles and the weight of societal expectations. Their chemistry is electric, showcasing a range of emotions that deeply resonate.
Editor: You mentioned chemistry. There’s a particularly poignant moment where Josefa is reunited with her childhood friend. What do you think that scene symbolizes in the larger narrative?
Expert: That scene is incredibly powerful! It’s when Josefa sees her old friend after so many years—her reaction shows both joy and sorrow. By cradling Josefa’s face, there’s a sense of acceptance and recognition. It symbolizes the journey of reconciliation with one’s past. It’s a reminder of how our identities evolve, and how reconnecting with our roots can unleash a flood of emotions that must be acknowledged.
Editor: The film seems to tread a fine line between addressing serious themes and ensuring it doesn’t slip into cliché. How did the writer and director manage this balance?
Expert: They did a phenomenal job! Uli Brée’s screenplay and Dirk Kummer’s direction create moments that feel both intimate and universal. The film addresses issues surrounding gender identity and societal pressures without preaching. Instead, it opts for genuine emotional expression, allowing viewers to relate through the characters’ struggles and triumphs rather than overwhelming them with a moral lesson.
Editor: One striking aspect of the movie is the challenge it poses regarding representation in film. Adele Neuhauser has spoken about the complexities of playing a transgender character. How do you interpret her stance?
Expert: Neuhauser’s reflections highlight the ongoing discourse around representation in the arts. While many argue that only transgender individuals should portray transgender characters, she emphasizes that empathetic acting transcends personal experiences. Her insights into her own struggles with identity suggest a deep understanding of the role, which enriches her performance. It raises important questions about who gets to tell which stories and the nuance involved in such discussions.
Editor: Given the film’s themes of estrangement and reconnection, how do you think audiences are responding to it in today’s cultural climate?
Expert: The film has struck a chord with audiences today, particularly in an era where conversations about identity, acceptance, and the complexities of gender are at the forefront. Many viewers appreciate the film’s authenticity and emotional depth. This openness resonates with those who have faced similar struggles, making the film not just a story to watch but a reflection of real-life challenges.
Editor: if you had to summarize what makes this film unique in a single sentence, what would it be?
Expert: It’s a beautifully crafted narrative that powerfully blends emotional depth and societal critique, inviting audiences to reflect on their own identities and relationships while celebrating the complexity of human experience.
Editor: What an insightful discussion! Thank you for sharing your expertise and shedding light on the nuances of this film. We hope our audience checks it out and engages with these important themes.
