The basic structure for this sort of sub-genre of adduction movies is known well enough and has been done before. International box office hits such as "The Collector"(1965, dir. William Wyler) and "Misery" (1990,dir. Rob Reiner) come to mind.
Yet filmmaker Christian Genzel is able to find his own angle into this already often treated sub-genre and breathes new life into it. This starts already with the set up. In Die Muse it is the driven author H.P. Fischer who abducts the young woman Katja in order to use her as his inspiration, hence the title. Fischer is played by television, film and stage actor Thomas Limpinsel whose performance is very nuanced, subtle and impressive. The character of Fischer seems like an ordinary, everyday man but there is a dark abyss underneath his inconspicuous surface. Limpinsel is able to portray the different sides of this character in a believable way and without making Fischer into a raving, crazed lunatic. Katja, the young abducted woman, is played by Henriette Müller who offers a very solid performance.
The film concentrates on these two characters and takes place almost entirely in the basement prison that Fischer has prepared for Katja. This creates a very tense and enthralling power struggle between the opposing characters of Fischer and Katja. Although being very psychological in nature it doesn't lack action that will keep you on the edge of your seat. The ever changing situation between Fischer and his muse Katja is in itself very engrossing and engaging and can be interpreted in a myriad of ways but a number of twists and surprises make the plot develop in sudden and unexpected ways – which of course , won't be given away here. You should really treat yourself to this movie and enjoy a deep and dark thriller shy away from being unconventional and unique.
