Maria la maléfique

The first work of Tom Tykwer shows several qualities that have been brought to perfection in "Lola rennt" ("Run Lola Run"). There are especially the great camera work and the intelligent editing. Unfortunately the script is somewhat protracted now and then.

It's the directorial debut of Tom Tykwer and he knows how to drag us into his world. "Deadly Maria" is instantly mesmerizing with its strident horror film music and its surreal cinematography. Tykwer focuses on the details. He shows us clocks, an ink pen, the ear of the female protagonist, all in close up shots to control our attention heavily. Nina Petri, who plays the main character Maria, lets us share her thought in poetic offscreen-monologues. It's an oppressive and nightmarish storytelling in which we wait for the outburst of Maria.

It's a good movie and to be honest, i should have rated it higher. However, i didn't enjoy it that much. I thought this was a "drama/thriller/fantasy", so i was prepared for something like that. Truth is, it's mislabelled. This is a drama. A "heavy drama", i mean, it was tough to watch at times. There are some poetic/dream-like scenes but its core is realistic as it gets. Nothing wrong with these movies, but i was not in the mood. In any case, it's good. Viewer empathizes with the leading character, there is a strong, almost heartbreaking story and i was waiting for a payoff, because she faced too much adversity in her life. I won't say anything about the ending, i'll just say that i didn't expect it. Not satisfying or unsatisfying, just strange.

Great acting performances by everyone here.

I was fortunate enough to be present at a viewing of the only print w/ english subtitles. Also, I wish that Tykwer had the funds available in the early nineties to complete his vision of the last scene. The way he described it in a 2003 lecture at the MFA was surreal and beautiful.

Dreaming of changing her life, a woman, her neighbour's lover, confides her disarray in her statuette idol. The oppressive atmosphere of an insipid life is made into a drama bordering on fantasy, although somewhat drawn out in places.