2018 Berlinale - Day 2

Zoo Palast cinema, Berlin 

Hi again - writing this in retrospect so here's my post re Day 2 at the Berlinale (Friday):

Saw three films today - the most outstanding of which was definitely : Styx (Germany/Austria 2018, dir. Wolfgang Fischer). This was the Opening Panorama Special which we saw at the Zoo Palast cinema in the evening - see the description of the Panorama section at the festival here: Panorama. There are various awards made in this section including an Audience award for which spectators have the opportunity to vote during the Festival.

***** Styx follows Rieke (Susanne Wolff), a doctor in her 40s, as she sets off on a solo sailing voyage from Gibraltar to Asension - a break from her work in a busy hospital and seemingly inspired by Darwin's account of the island which accompanies her on the trip.  Her judgement, competence and independence are quickly established in early sequences showing her dealing with a medical emergency caused by a reckless car race and her subsequence ease and control once she sets sail  and is alone at sea - despite all weathers the ocean throws at her. The crux of the drama hinges on the dilemma Rielke faces when she happens upon a boat full of African refugees adrift and in difficulty. The tension between her instinct and moral impulse to save lives and the additional danger posed by her proximity to the leaking craft as its desperate passengers begin to jump overboard present her with a harrowing set of moral, ethical and practical dilemmas which are only heightened when she rescues a young boy from the water. The failure of her calls for assistance to secure help bring a series of political questions into sharp focus and force her to take desperate measures. The film, which has only minimal dialogue, is a compelling drama and a sensitive and moving exploration of the moral, ethical and political dilemmas.

Also saw 
***Las herederas/The Heiresses (Paraguay/Germany/Uruguay/Brazil/Norway/France 2018, dir. Marcelo Martinessi). In Competition.

Las herederas team line-up at the Berlinale Palast

Chiquita (Margarita Irun) and Chela (Ana Brun) are a longstanding couple - Chiquita the extrovert organiser whilst Chela is more reserved and reluctant to go out. Straightened financial circumstances see them obliged to sell off pieces of their inherited (mostly from Chela's family) art, china and furniture and the film's grainy texture, muted colour palette and tight framing with shots often from behind doorways and frames set the tone of the piece and Chela's closeted existence. 

 When Chiquita's poor financial management eventually leads to her being gaoled for debt, Chela is forced to become more self-sufficient. Overcoming her nervousness behind the wheel, she discovers a source of income as a driver, and gradually builds clientele of wealthy ladies of a certain age needing lifts to their various social outings. Despite the friendly banter, they clearly occupy a different social strata from Chela - indeed one of her clients comments (within Chela’s hearing) that a rumour that one of their friend’s daughter is also working as a taxi driver could not possibly be true as she would never stoop so low… Chela’s comings and goings between the genteel social gatherings and visits to the prison where Chiquita is held provide glimpses of very different social strata and the divisions between them and we see her gradually gain self-confidence and a sense of independence. A new friendship with the niece of one of her clients also reawakens a dormant sensuality which gives her a new lease of energy and optimism.. See the trailer here: Las herederas

Ballon drop in the EFM

* Damsel (USA 2018, dirs. David and Nathan Zellner). In Competition.

A disappointing revisionist western starring Twilight heartthrob Robert Pattinson (in a not so throbbing role ‘rescuing’ the reluctant Penelope (Mia Wasikowska) who proves herself more capable than the line-up of hapless male characters she encounters. See the trailer here: Damsel

European Film Market in the Martin Gropius Bau

Meanwhile the European Film Market (the exhibition space for film companies and national film promoters, etc. from around the globe)  has been buzzing in the Martin Gropius Bau.

More to follow shortly!!