• A classical narrative—very engaging and a return to form for Henckel von Donnersmarck who came to fame for the similarly engaging (and stronger) 2006 film The Lives of Others and then fell flat with The Tourist in 2010
  • Nom for legendary cinematographer Caleb Deschannel—I think it’s largely honorary—but I do love the shot on the poster with the windows—very well done. He knows how to light a scene
  • 360 tracking shot formally important in the buses honking their horn scene
  • A very good score—especially in the pivotal moment when it comes together with the black and white photograph painting by Tom Schilling’s Kurt Barnert
  • An ode to art- portrait of an artist film, a war/political expansive drama and a family generational saga—but it’s a strong narrative- it could be cut here and there but overall there’s not a lot of fat—3 hours+
  • Sebastian Koch as Professor Carl Seeband is haunting—a Fanny and Alexander step-father-like evil—intelligent, swift, calculating—pure evil incarnate
  • Oliver Masucci has two scenes that are excellent as well- both he and Koch appear to be excellent actors. Masucci’s grease and felt speech is one of the best moments in the film
  • Recommend but not in the top 10 of 2018