Gripsholm

The director did a terrific job of pulling together a romance from the elements of the writer's life and his autobiography. The result is an enjoyable and intriguing story of romance and friendships set in 1932 as the Nazi's were gaining power. Heike Makatsch is justifiably becoming popular in Germany this year (2002) and I hope she comes to the American screen.

The film goes beyond Tucholsky's light autobiographic Novel by picturing the process of Nazi takeover and its effect on the intellectual and artist community. Writer and journalist Kurt Tucholsky is trying to evade the growing political and legal pressure aimed against his pacifist activism by taking some vacation together with his girlfriend Lydia. Together they spend some happy days in Gripsholm Castle, Sweden. Although a visit by his old pal Karl who has turned into a Nazi admirer temporarily reminds him of the unpleasant changes that take place back home, he finds distraction in comfy country life, in caring for an unfortunate runaway child and erotic adventures together with Lydia and Billie, a Berlin variété singer. Ultimately his attempt to evade reality lead into exile and isolation. Although quite conventional and ultimately predictable in its making, the film succeeds in depicting the dilemma of German intellectuals in exile. A beautiful soundtrack and excellent acting are additional assets.