Long Hello and Short Goodbye

During my last trip to Germany I had the pleasure of finally seeing this film, after having been a fan of the American script for years. Okay, they wimped out and simplified the structure. And what the heck is that sado-masochistic relationship between the detective and the hit woman all about?! But it was still a kick to see this very odd German version of "Long Hello." Lots of flashy visuals, good sack scenes between the leads, plenty of twists, and that great conclusion. Some striking images you probably won't forget. Can't wait for the English-language film--what the heck is taking so long?! But this one is sure worth a look while we wait for the Hollywood version to film from the original script, they say, finally, this year?! Let's hope so! And I got to add, love the title.

A friend of mine gave me this movie because I was always a big fan of the American script, which I first read about eight years ago, one of those scripts that keeps getting close to production, with a thousand lives. This version of the story, filmed in Germany, simplifies the structure of the original piece, and in the process actually weakens the characterization--and muddles the whole point. I mean, the script was a structural tour-de-force! Why did the German film-makers simplify it? Cold feet, I understand. But what is left is still an edgy neo-noir that polarized German audiences into "love it" or "hate it" camps. The director uses a huge arsenal of visual gimmicks including shifting depth-of-field within a shot, and the end result is cool, sexy film-making. Nicolette Krebitz rules the screen, Dietrich Hollinderbaumer oozes menace, and Sunnyi Melles and Axel Milberg steal the film in their funny supporting roles as a couple of con men. Katja Riemann shows up in an extended cameo as a hit woman. The conclusion was filmed exactly as originally written, as far as I can remember, and is really fantastic. All in all, it was a surprise and a pleasure to come across this movie, although I still have my fingers crossed for the American version some day.

Interesting film that I think will stand the test of time, or at least be more appreciated as the years pass than it was on its initial release. Lots of flashy camera tricks to go along with the plot twists and killer conclusion. I just looked up the American version someone else mentioned and found out that Hilary Swank [Oscar-winner for "Boys Don't Cry"] is going to star. Wow! That should be something. But this film is well worth your time. Rainer Kaufmann is called the "German Brian DePalma." Now you can see why.

This film is from my country, Germany, and is pure entertainment for people who like film noir mazes, with shifting plots and a grin on its face. My favorite from recent memory, along with Run Lola Run, this one also says something substantial about human values, wrapped up in the smooth film-making of Rainer Kaufman. The game and the style are much fun, but it also has a great love story. The last image of the film of the two [doomed?] lovers is a classic. Watch this film for me!

A friend of mine gave me this movie because I was always a big fan of the American script, which I first read about eight years ago, one of those scripts that keeps getting close to production, with a thousand lives. This version of the story, filmed in Germany, simplifies the structure of the original piece, and in the process actually weakens the characterization--and muddles the whole point. I mean, the script was a structural tour-de-force! Why did the German film-makers simplify it? Cold feet, I understand. But what is left is still an edgy neo-noir that polorized German audiences into "love it" or "hate it" camps. The director uses a huge arsenal of visual gimmicks including shifting depth-of-field within a shot, and the end result is cool, sexy film-making. Nicolette Krebitz rules the screen, Dietrich Hollinderbaumer oozes menace, and Sunnyi Melles and Axel Milberg steal the film in their funny supporting roles as a couple of con men. The conclusion was filmed exactly as originally written, as far as I can remember, and is really fantastic. All in all, it was a surprise and a pleasure to come across this movie, although I still have my fingers crossed for the American version some day.