Unveiling Graf's Latest Masterpiece: "My Falcon"
In an exclusive interview with the German Press Agency, renowned filmmaker Dominik Graf shared his thoughts on his latest creation, a captivating drama titled "My Falcon." The movie, set to grace our screens later this week, has already created a buzz in media outlets across Lower Saxony.
"There's something monarchical about a falcon," Graf said, embodying an air of aristocracy. "Even when it arrives as a novice, it bears a sense of elevation." Graf, a ten-time Grimme Award winner, enlightened us on the inaugural installment of this fascinating film which will air this Wednesday at 8:15 p.m. on Ersten. Arte premiered it in November.
The movie was filmed on a location near Wolfsburg, with a falconer's constant presence. A remarkable trio of falcons stood by, one in reserve, and the other two becoming the cherished possessions of the lead actress, Ratte-Polle, or rather her character. A dedicated forensic biologist at a forensic institute, this woman has led a solitary existence, completely dedicated to her work and isolated from her peers.
Emotional Connections
The entrance of the falcon sparked emotions that she had never experienced before. Simultaneously, she was unable to escape the harsh words of her bitter, widower father (Jörg Gudzuhn), who blames her for her marital split and declares her young neighbor Charlotte (Olga von Luckwald) as her half-sister.
The character of Inga grapples with past regrets and seeks to find her path back to herself and humanity. A silent yet powerful memento mori resonates throughout this drama filled with delightful undertones, reflecting Inga's daily exposure to the remnants of human beings in her work.
Poetic Simplicity
The story was expertly penned by Beate Langmaack, another Grimme Award laureate, who has collaborated with Graf on the acclaimed drama "Hanne" featuring Iris Berben. The simplicity of everyday imagery employed in narrating this story imbues it with a poetic quality that resonates with the audience.
Graf as a Sympathetic Observer
Graf expresses empathy for Inga, his film's central figure, acknowledging her struggle with interpersonal relationships. "I believe she's a character who's grappling with the fact that she has not advanced far in her life when it comes to human connections. She wholeheartedly believes that her work will make up for this deficiency," he remarked.
Such sentiments, he asserts, are not uncommon today. "My field, which encompasses the world, consumes you completely. You can use it to balance the other half - your personal life – to some extent. But you should recognize it eventually," he concludes, sharing insights from his own experiences and the pitfalls that plague the industry.
Ratte-Polle's Personal Connection
Ratte-Polle has related to her character Inga's struggles, thanks to her own journey in the arts. The 49-year-old actress, a prolific performer across screens, stages, and radio, chose to forgo motherhood to pursue her passion fully. However, she maintains that she still nurtures essential human relationships.
Inga's Tale through a New Lens
The actress is passionate about portraying female characters from fresh perspectives and exploring the complexities of their lives beyond romantic relationships, emphasizing that living alone does not equate to loneliness.
Preparing for her Role
Ratte-Polle immersed herself in falconry to prepare for her part. She visited a falconry farm in Potsdam, learning how to handle a falcon and taking it for walks. "There's something meditative about the experience. These birds are incredibly sensitive, picking up on nervousness," she shared.
Graf's Falconry Memories
The crew had to maintain an unwavering concentration to avoid agitating the sensitive falcons during the filming process. Graf recalled, "The team had to remain focused. If they received a warning that the falcon would be coming, they needed to be cautious so as not to unsettle it. And luckily, the hush that settled upon them contributed positively to our overall performance."
Contemporary Relationships in German Media
"My Falcon" is a part of a broader trend in the German media industry, where complex female characters and their relationships with animals are taking center stage. The movie reflects the evolving landscape of interpersonal relationships in both the real and fictional worlds and offers a testament to Graf's prowess as a storyteller and an artist.
