"Die Angst des Tormanns beim Elfmeter" or "The Goalie's Anxiety at the Penalty Kick" is a 100-minute movie from almost 45 years ago and it was the breakthrough for German filmmaker Wim Wenders. He directed here and also worked a bit on the script, even if the main effort in terms of screen writing (according to the credits) comes from Peter Handke, who also wrote the novel that this film is based on. You could call this movie here a film during which really nothing happens at all apart from one scene (and the very first scene maybe as well). Joseph Bloch is a professional athlete and I personally see him as a man hungry for recognition and power. When his ego cannot take a referee's behavior, he commits a horrific act in order to restore the belief in his own power.
He is also a sociopath. After the act, he lives a life just like he did before. No remorse, no fear nothing. One great example of his self-confidence is when we hear another character mention that the killer probably has a mustache by now, but Bloch did not even think about it. He also won't go into hiding or anything. In the end, the question for the audience arises if he gets away with it. Apparently, police come closer to catching him, but we do not find out definitely if they do, which is a bit surprising as they get closer and closer while the film continues. In the last scene, Bloch makes a cat/mouse reference that applies to goalkeeper and the one who shoots the penalty as well as to him and police without his conversation partner understanding the latter.
I thought Wenders and Handke made a pretty good film here. This is certainly a very atmospheric watch and I believe Arthur Brauss (who turns 80 this year) was a really good choice for the main character. He brings a ruthlessness and cold-blooded approach to the role that fits the mentality of a killer and goal keeper really well. Physically, he looks like a mix of Daniel Craig and Matthias Schoenaerts, which certainly helps at well. I cannot say there were any truly great moments here, but this may also have to do with the base material. With Handke in charge of the screenplay, it was certainly very close to the novel. I cannot go further into detail as I have not read this one. About the movie, however, it was a really solid watch and I recommend it. Thumbs up.
He is also a sociopath. After the act, he lives a life just like he did before. No remorse, no fear nothing. One great example of his self-confidence is when we hear another character mention that the killer probably has a mustache by now, but Bloch did not even think about it. He also won't go into hiding or anything. In the end, the question for the audience arises if he gets away with it. Apparently, police come closer to catching him, but we do not find out definitely if they do, which is a bit surprising as they get closer and closer while the film continues. In the last scene, Bloch makes a cat/mouse reference that applies to goalkeeper and the one who shoots the penalty as well as to him and police without his conversation partner understanding the latter.
I thought Wenders and Handke made a pretty good film here. This is certainly a very atmospheric watch and I believe Arthur Brauss (who turns 80 this year) was a really good choice for the main character. He brings a ruthlessness and cold-blooded approach to the role that fits the mentality of a killer and goal keeper really well. Physically, he looks like a mix of Daniel Craig and Matthias Schoenaerts, which certainly helps at well. I cannot say there were any truly great moments here, but this may also have to do with the base material. With Handke in charge of the screenplay, it was certainly very close to the novel. I cannot go further into detail as I have not read this one. About the movie, however, it was a really solid watch and I recommend it. Thumbs up.