"Police Call 110" featuring Matthias Brandt - The film shatters all common norms in crime thrillers.
Peter Brauer, also known as Justus von Dohnányi, worries about more than just being arrested for his wife's murder. His biggest fear is falling into the trap of cliches. For instance, the cliche about a self-made man who marries a blonde businesswoman, feels successful, and then fails. This was exactly his story. And as his life takes an unexpected turn, he ends up in the arms of his former student, dreaming of saving himself and her. But even his awareness of cliche-boundness couldn't save him.
Another common crime cliche occurs when a man kills a woman for her money. This is how Constanze Hermann, the new investigator, views the situation. When Peter Brauer's wealthy business executive wife is found dead in the forest, it all sounds so typical. Hanns von Meuffels remarks, "Isn't it usually inheritance or jealousy?" But Hermann asserts, "We have both here." In the end, she remains in control. Like Meuffels who, at another point, says, "The scary thing about cliches is that they often reflect reality."
Hiring Christian Petzold to direct a "Polizeiruf 110" is a bold move, as auteur filmmakers usually cater to niche audiences. But Petzold pulls it off. "Kreis" is a captivating study of crime movie cliches and conventions, skilfully deconstructing and reimagining them. Previously known for his emotionally charged films like "Barbara," Petzold proves he can evoke strong feelings without resorting to spectacle.
Matthias Brandt is an actor adept at conveying the subtlest emotional shifts with his expressive face. Barbara Auer, also worked with Petzold, portrays a character who entrances and repulses in equal measure. Each actor gives a nuanced performance, bringing their characters to life in a way that leaves the audience gripped.
"Police School?" - "No, Literature." Petzold splits the difference, crafting a traditional crime film that also challenges genre conventions. He deconstructs, repurposes, and even subverts these cliches while seamlessly integrating them into the plot. Petzold's love for cinema is evident in the film's many references to film history, from Hitchcock's "Vertigo" to the red cabriolet in "The Girl with the Red Hair."
Brauer laments that life seems to revolve around circles, but he craves something different. Petzold shows that it's possible to make a staple crime film that is simultaneously fresh and innovative. A feat akin to a perfect square or circle - a rarity in narrative artistry.
"Kreis" aired on German television first on June 28, 2015, on the First Channel. It will be rebroadcast on June 14 at 21:45.
The Beauty in the Ordinary Gestures: A Masterful Variation of Crime Clichés
In Christian Petzold's adaptation of the "Polizeiruf 110" episode "Circles," simplicity is key. Through minimal dialogue, the director and writer emphasize the tender emotions between Hanns von Meuffels (Matthias Brandt) and his new coworker (Barbara Auer). Their story defies expectations, each carefully chosen gesture showcasing their love journey.
The actor Matthias Brandt is a master of subtlety, capable of conveying complex emotions with a mere flick of his eyes or tilt of his head. Having worked with Petzold before, Barbara Auer delivers textured performances that convey depth. Her character's quiet strength and vulnerability create a mesmerizing effect, leaving the audience guessing her intentions.
Throughout the film, Petzold blends cliches with clever reimaginings. The case under investigation is a textbook murder mystery: a wealthy businesswoman's body is found in a forest. A handsome investigator, von Meuffels, is torn between professional duty and his personal life. Yet from the superficial crime to the unexpected finale, the director embraces the conventions and adds an intriguing twist.
Reaching beyond the genre, audiences will find a deeper meaning in Petzold's exploration of life's circles. Peter Brauer, played by Justus von Dohnányi, desires change. He believes love holds the key but struggles to make sense of it. Justus von Dohnányi excels at portraying Brauer as a man out of time, enamored with jukeboxes and model trains. His character's simplicity and quirks not only ultimately disarm Hanns von Meuffels but also gives depth to the story.
More than just a routine crime film, Petzold's "Kreis" is a timeless exploration of how to create conventional plots with an innovative touch.
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In the film "Police Call 110" directed by Christian Petzold, Matthias Brandt delivers a standout performance, showcasing his ability to convey complex emotions subtly even during a tense police call to 110.
Fans of police procedurals might be surprised to find Christian Petzold, known for his emotionally charged films, tackling a "Polizeiruf 110" episode. In this adaptation, he expertly combines crime thriller conventions with innovative twists, ensuring that every police call to 110 is anything but ordinary.
