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| Source: Imdb |
Yet another film with Nazis (at least, in this one, we have German native
speakers as extras so I can actually understand what they are saying), this
drama luckily only used post-war Germany as a backdrop for a dramatic, if somewhat lukewarm romance
between an officer’s wife and a German widower. The plot, though quite
conventional, was well-executed with a poignant script boiled down to the necessary
elements and scenes. I could very well see this working as a play, too.
After initial
confusion, I realised that the casting was clearly what had attracted me to
this film: Alexander Skarsgård as a German architect was great to watch. I was
particularly impressed with his delivery of the German dialogue, of which there
was quite a lot. Sure, Swedish (Alex’s mother tongue) and German are closely
related languages (and I happen to speak both, though my Swedish is arguably
better than Alex’s German), but it was still an impressive feat to deliver
lines with the required inflection and sometimes even little to no accent.
Usually, I need subtitles for the “German” parts of English-language films, but
not this time. As for his character, he was a bit wooden, I felt. I know Alex
can do better.
Jason
Clarke was fantastic as compassionate British officer, who treated the fallen
enemy with respect and dignity. Though it was hinted that he had done some dark
things during the war, his character seemed genuinely a good guy, and the actor
communicated a vulnerability and depth that was quite pleasing to watch.
Keira
Knightley may be a good actress, but she was miscast for this film. She had
barely any chemistry with Alexander Skarsgård or Jason Clarke. As irresistible
attraction was a pivotal element of the film, it was jarring to find it
missing. This film would have been better without someone else in her role.
The production
itself was of a high standard. They chose a beautiful house as their main set
and delivered flawless wardrobe and props. The cinematography was beautiful and
well-lit. Editing, though conventional, did not get in the way of the story.
The score by Martin Phipps deserves particular mention as it was atmospheric
and moving.
All in all,
a good film that unfortunately did not reach its potential due to lack of
chemistry between Keira Kneightley and more or less everyone else. 3/5
PS: is it wrong of me to be jealouse of these German actresses who got to be on screen with Alexander Skarsgård? ^^
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