Story of Youth: Insights from Harald Sicheritz on the Film "Bruno"
In the heart of Vienna, the Wiener Filmcasino has a unique 1929 feel thanks to the filming of "Bruno." This flick, with its casual title hinting at Bruno Kreisky, Austria's longest-serving Chancellor, is due to delve into the political makings of the man.
Directed by Harald Sicheritz, "Bruno" takes us back to pre-WWII Austria, focusing on Kreisky's childhood, his politicization following the Justice Palace fire in 1927, his encounters with the social democratic movement, his imprisonment, and his forced exile due to the Nazis in 1938.
Ambling through the cinema's lobby, you'll spot film gear and props spread around, along with director's chairs labeling "Bruno" and "Otto Bauer," a renowned Austrian social democracy theorist. Refrain from snacking at the buffet—a "Hands off!" sign warns impatient hands.
Currently, the team is filming in the cinema auditorium. The front rows brim with 1920s extras in vintage attire. Hairstyles reminiscent of the era highlight women's updos, cloche hats, and woolen jackets, while men don pullovers and rolled-up sleeves. Nils Artmann as Bruno Kreisky and Johannes Silberschneider as Otto Bauer hog the spotlight, with a makeup artist hastily painting Johannes' mustache.
"Quiet, please! They're filming!"
Action unfolds with a film screening celebrating a social democratic youth meeting: spirited youngsters participating in long jump or playing music. Town hall flags flutter, and the fake audience claps enthusiastically.
Post-film screening, Adele Holzer, the cinema owners' daughter, takes center stage: portrayed by Maya Unger, she performs a captivating Brecht-Weill-inspired song. Bruno becomes smitten with Adele, setting the stage for their romantic encounter.
"And cut!"
Evergreen and Inspiring
Harald Sicheritz is known for chuckle-inducing movies like "Mother's Day," yet he's enthralled by historical dramas. Austro-fascism—a little-taught period in Austrian schools—intrigued him: "Delving into a time that's often overlooked is refreshing. The story revolves around a young person challenging the status quo, which rings true today given the speed at which right-wing populism can emerge."
For Sicheritz, Kreisky's character symbolizes a beacon of humanism who treated everyone equally and was an exceptional communicator: "These timeless qualities, devoid of historical knowledge, make it a story about youth."
Not surprisingly, most of his acting ensemble are under 30, including Nils Artmann and Maya Unger.
Born in Vienna in 1999, Nils hops onto the big screen for the first time as Bruno Kreisky, having taken a crash course in Kreisky's biography: "At first, I thought I bore little resemblance to Kreisky, but then, viewing pictures of young Kreisky, I thought: Maybe I've got it!"
Unlike Nils, Maya Unger doesn't strive to mimic anyone as Adele Holzer is a fictional character. "Adele represents feminism, championing female emancipation within the film," says Unger with a smile. "Adele appears and Bruno falls head over heels for her," added with a wink, hinting at the potential inspiration drawn from Kreisky's confessed fondness for actresses.
- The Wiener Filmcasino, site of the filming of "Bruno," showcases a 1929 ambiance, reminiscent of the era in which the movie is set.
- In "Bruno," director Harald Sicheritz delves into the politicization of Bruno Kreisky, Austria's longest-serving Chancellor, during the 1920s.
- Movies-and-TV entertainment and politics intertwine in "Bruno," as the story of Kreisky's life covers his encounters with the social democratic movement and his struggles against Austro-fascism.
- The filming of "Bruno" features the agrees of a captivating Brecht-Weill-inspired performance by Adele Holzer, a fictional character portrayed by Maya Unger, during a social democratic youth meeting.
- The politicization of Bruno Kreisky, as depicted in "Bruno," symbolizes a compelling and enduring message for today's youth, emphasizing the importance of challenging the status quo and fighting for humanism.
