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Des Teufels Bad (2024)
"Des Teufels Bad" Wins Silver Bear at Berlinale: A Dark Dive into 18th-Century Depression
Des Teufels Bad, directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala, offers a haunting glimpse into 18th-century depression, focusing on the desperate measures women took to escape their suffering. The film, recognized at the Berlinale with a Silver Bear for Martin Gschlacht's exceptional cinematography, delves deep into the theme of "indirect suicide" where individuals, to avoid the stigma of suicide, would commit crimes hoping for execution. Set against the backdrop of a rigidly Catholic Upper Austria, it portrays the protagonist Agnes's struggle with depression and societal constraints, leading her to a drastic decision. The narrative, rooted in historical court records, exposes the harsh realities of the time, making a compelling statement on the enduring nature of human despair and societal expectations. Anja Plaschg's portrayal of Agnes adds depth to this vivid historical tapestry, making Des Teufels Bad a powerful exploration of a dark chapter in European history.
Spaceman (2024)
A Visual Odyssey Hindered by Heavy-handed Narration
Spaceman, a Netflix production directed by Johan Renck and featuring Adam Sandler as Jakub, is a visually distinctive space drama that swaps futuristic gloss for a gritty, plastic aesthetic. Set aboard a Czech space mission, the film explores Jakub's solitary journey, 500 million kilometers from Earth, as he investigates the Chopra Cloud near Jupiter. The narrative delves into Jakub's personal crisis, exacerbated by the silence of his pregnant wife, Lenka, portrayed by Carey Mulligan, who has left him unbeknownst to him.
While the movie benefits from Sandler's nuanced performance, capturing the weariness and occasional humor of a man isolated in space, it struggles under the weight of its own ambitions. Spaceman attempts to tackle profound themes such as love, personal growth, and existential musings, often feeling heavy-handed in its delivery. The appearance of an alien entity, offering esoteric wisdom, aims to guide Jakub towards introspection and emotional enlightenment but instead veers into cliché.
Despite its attempts at depth, the film is bogged down by an overly explanatory script and a sentimental score, leading to a viewing experience that lacks the subtlety and nuance necessary for its lofty goals. Overall, Spaceman earns points for its unique visual style and Sandler's performance, but falls short in its narrative execution and thematic exploration.
Edge of Tomorrow (2014)
A 7 out of 10 for me
I thought this movie was a mixture of Saving Private Ryan, The Matrix & Groundhog Day. Not very many new ideas in this one. Also I think a younger actor would have done a better job at playing Cage. Generally, I don't get why this movie got a 8. For me this is a 7 or even a 6.
Somehow one knew that at some point Cage would loose blood and loose his ability to reset the day. But he could have just built a mechanism that automatically kills him, for example a hand grenade attached somewhere. Or he could have told her to kill him in the car.
But still a very entertaining movie. The question remains: Will there be an "Edge of Tomorrow 2" or an "Edge of the Day after Tomorrow"?