Unveiling Ambiguity: Exploring the Unknown
In the heart of Berlin, a cinematic journey is unfolding at Babylon Mitte. Sir Anthony Hopkins, a two-time Oscar winner, is having a retrospective of 14 of his films, including his latest victory for "The Father" (2020). The retrospective runs until the 13th of August, offering movie enthusiasts a chance to revisit some of Hopkins' most iconic performances.
"The Father," a psychological thriller, presents a poignant portrayal of dementia, capturing the denial, confusion, and fears associated with the disease. The film raises questions about Hopkins' character's daughter Anne's intentions and the identity of strangers in his apartment, creating a sense of verifiable reality that is both intriguing and thought-provoking.
On a lighter note, Quentin Dupieux's comedy "The Second Act" is being shown at fsk-Kino am Oranienplatz on the 1st of August, with an English introduction by Gerrit Woltemath. This film is a deconstruction of the romantic comedy genre, featuring characters stepping out of their roles and offering a unique twist on the genre.
Meanwhile, the German comedy "I by Day and You by Night" (1932) offers a glimpse into the past. Thematically, the film explores issues related to urban life during the Great Depression, such as economic hardship and the struggle to find stable work. It tells the story of two young people who unknowingly share an apartment due to their opposite work schedules, leading to a series of comedic and romantic misunderstandings.
Steven Spielberg's "Jaws" (1975) is also making a comeback, with a one-day event scheduled for the 5th of August. Despite the first half being slow, the shark attacks in "Jaws" are always thrillingly staged, making it worth seeing even for those who have watched it before. The odd trio's interaction—Roy Scheider, Richard Dreyfus, and Robert Shaw—is a highlight of the film.
In "The Second Act," Florence introduces her father to her boyfriend and sets herself up with his friend, but the plot is not just about that. It's a film that invites viewers to step out of their roles and question their assumptions, much like the characters within the film.
Lastly, "The Father" is unique in that it consistently adopts the point of view of the afflicted person, providing a raw and emotional portrayal of dementia. The role of a disabled man is a typical Oscar role for Sir Anthony Hopkins, and his performance in "The Father" is no exception.
So, if you're in Berlin, don't miss out on this cinematic journey. From the comedic "I by Day and You by Night" to the gripping "The Father," there's something for everyone. And for fans of Sir Anthony Hopkins, the retrospective at Babylon Mitte is a must-see. As the lyrics from "I by Day and You by Night" go, "Every day champagne and caviar, and a car, and even a castle..."—in this case, it's a cinematic adventure that's not to be missed.
"The retrospective at Babylon Mitte offers an opportunity for movie enthusiasts to delve into Sir Anthony Hopkins' exceptional career, featuring his most iconic performances in both 'The Father' and other movies till the 13th of August."
"In addition to the retrospective, fsk-Kino am Oranienplatz showcases Quentin Dupieux's unique deconstruction of the romantic comedy genre, 'The Second Act', on the 1st of August."
