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Peacocking Reality: A Satirical Journey Through Modern Life
Satire "Peacock - Am I Real?" by Bernhard Wenger takes aim at contemporary business models
24th February, 2025 | Film | Thomas Abeltshauser | Issue: 2/2025
Bernhard Wenger, the man behind "Peacock - Am I Real?", shares the genesis of his thought-provoking satire.
In 2014, an article in The New Yorker sparked an idea. It was about "Rent a Friend" agencies in Japan, where lonely souls could hire companions for social engagements, image enhancement, or manipulation. After a four-year sojourn studying at the film academy, this intriguing concept came back to life as the basis for Wenger's debut feature film.
Did he delve into real "Rent a Friend" agencies for research? Absolutely. A research trip to Japan led to meetings with employees, revealing insights about the blurred lines between personal identity and pretense. One individual spoke of their struggle to maintain a separate identity when acting as a different person every day for clients. This fundamental dilemma served as a catalyst for Wenger's film.
Cologne's Silver Screen
The protagonist of "Peacock - Am I Real?", Matthias, presents himself based on his clients' desires rather than having a personal identity. Is this character a dream or a nightmare for a director?
Creating a script centered around such a passive protagonist posed challenges. Matthias is a master of transformation, pleasing clients as a literature aficionado or loyal son, yet his personal life is lacking. The contrast between his chameleonic external life and his internal emptiness was fascinating to Wenger.
How did he convince Albrecht Schuch, known for hits like "Lieber Thomas", "The Chess Player", and "All Quiet on the Western Front", to take on the lead role? Wenger's appreciation for Schuch's multi-faceted acting ability and his charm—essential traits for Matthias to keep the audience engaged—were instrumental in his casting decision.
A Blend of Comedy and Tragedy
"Peacock - Am I Real?" is a satire tinged with tragic moments. How did Wenger strike the perfect tone, where humor and tragedy coexist? For Wenger, a balance between humor and tragedy is vital. He built a surreal story around a dramatic core. Influeneced by Scandinavian cinema and British comedies, Wenger's humor is dark and combined with a touch of Austrian tragedy. His focus is more on visual aspects than dialogue, with set design, costumes, and editing playing significant roles in the film's comedy.
Are the outlandish requests and scenarios that Matthias faces based on real events? Some are inspired by true stories, while others are inventions to serve the film's narrative. While some real requests were too bizarre to believably be included in the movie, the research served to enrich the plot.
Euro Receptivity to the "Rent a Friend" Concept
Though not yet widespread in Europe, the "Rent a Friend" phenomenon is reminiscent of engaging others to project a specific image. Digital platforms have capitalized on this concept in various regions, with "Rent a Friend" apps appearing in countries like Ghana. However, significant agency-style growth across multiple European countries remains largely unreported. Thus, while the idea has taken root in various forms worldwide, it has yet to become a mainstream phenomenon in Europe.
In the satirical journey through modern life depicted in "Peacock - Am I Real?", director Bernhard Wenger delves into the entertainment industry, exploring themes related to movies-and-tv and entertainment. The film's protagonist, Matthias, who presents himself based on clients' desires, mirrors the blurred lines between personal identity and pretense found in certain entertainment scenarios, such as those involving digital platforms that facilitate engaging others to project specific images, reminiscent of the "Rent a Friend" phenomenon.
