Not a Love Song

This is an odd German tragic comedy that screened at the Goethe House in Hanoi, Vietnam recently. Hauntingly photographed in beautiful B & W, it is the tale of a rural village in East Germany where it seems everyone wants to leave, most of all the wannabe-James-Dean male lead, Bruno (wonderful performance by Lars Rudolph). However, one hapless local entrepreneur has high-hopes for the future; but then his wife falls for Bruno which sets off a battle between romance, marketing, and responsibility.

Though uneven at the start, the film develops an increasingly intense and desolate atmosphere, almost like in a play by Beckett. The direction is often reminiscent of Fassbinder - not realistic but truthful, distilling the essence of situations in a truly creative manner. Sometimes the scenes slip into the grotesque, but this is after all a comedy.

I truly enjoyed this film. Anyone who knows the situation and history of East Germany today will also be pleased to discover that here is a film which deals with the political fallout of 1989 in a comical fashion, long before a film like "Goodbye Lenin" saw the light of day. It is also a sarcastic blast at the German national character, which as Fassbinder also showed, is not known for its warm-hearted friendliness. NOT A LOVE SONG - highly recommended!

"Not A Love Song" is one of those films that bursts with good intentions, but never manages to get any clear message across. Besides, there is not much to like about this film anyway, although the premise is rather strong and the film deals with some tough issues such as racism, apathy and unemployment.

Unfortunately, the story of Bruno, a young man who is desperate to find his place in the world, is told in such an unappealing manner and the film is filled with so many unlikeable characters, that it is really hard to feel any sympathy for any of the characters. Even Bruno, the protagonist, is nothing more than a rude, lazy slob.

The low production values, talky script, mediocre performances en drab black-and-white photography do nothing to enhance the viewing pleasure. "Not A Love Song" tries to be ambitious and provoking, but is eventually buried by its depressing mood and gray looks.

If you'd like to see what German cinema can do for you, try "Bin Ich Schön", by Doris Dörrie, or just re-watch "Lola Rennt". "Not A Love Song" is not a film I would recommend. 2/10