Buen Camino & Die Ermittlung: Filmtipps zu Geld, Worten & der Vergangenheit

The world of cinema presents a striking contrast this month, with two films – “Buen Camino” and “Die Ermittlung” – offering vastly different explorations of human experience. One delves into the complexities of wealth and self-discovery, while the other confronts the harrowing realities of historical trauma.

A Comedy of Wealth and Pilgrimage

“Buen Camino,” an Italian comedy currently drawing audiences in Italy, centers on a wealthy man, Checco Zalone, played by Luca Pasquale Medici, who attempts to redefine himself as he approaches his 50th birthday. He boasts, “È bello mostrare la ricchezza a chi non se la può permettere” – a sentiment that positions him as a figure of excess. The film follows Checco as he embarks on a journey along the Camino de Compostela after his daughter disappears, all while grappling with a personal health concern.

Did You Know? Peter Weiss’s documentary theater piece, “Die Ermittlung. Oratorium in 11 Gesängen,” served as the foundation for the film “Die Ermittlung.”

The film is described as fast-paced and amusing, though it ventures into potentially sensitive territory with jokes referencing Gaza and the Holocaust. The filmmaker justifies these moments as reflecting the character’s perspective, but acknowledges they are a calculated risk for eliciting laughter. “Buen Camino” is primarily screening in multiplex cinemas.

Confronting History: “Die Ermittlung”

In stark contrast, “Die Ermittlung,” directed by RP Kahl, offers a somber and deeply impactful experience. The film will be shown on January 27th, coinciding with Holocaust Remembrance Day, and will be accompanied by a discussion with producer Alexander van Dülmen and actor Wilfried Hochholdinger, known for his roles in “Inglorious Basterds” and “Babylon Berlin.”

A Hybrid Approach to a Historical Trial

Based on Peter Weiss’s 1965 play, “Die Ermittlung,” the film reconstructs the first Frankfurt Auschwitz trial (1963-1965) in a unique, hybrid format. It traces the path of victims from their arrival at Auschwitz to the gas chambers, utilizing dialogue drawn from personal accounts, newspaper articles, and court transcripts. The film emphasizes the power of language, demonstrating how it can both reflect and enable violence.

Expert Insight: The juxtaposition of these two films highlights the broad spectrum of cinematic storytelling, from lighthearted social commentary to unflinching examinations of historical atrocities. Both films, in their own way, prompt reflection on human behavior and the complexities of morality.

Escaping Justice: “Nazisti in fuga”

On January 28th, a documentary titled “Nazisti in fuga” will be screened, focusing on the “ratline” – a network that aided Nazis in escaping Germany via South Tyrol after the war. The film, by Paolo Tessadri and Marco Benvenuti, was produced by the Fondazione Museo storico del Trentino. Paolo Tessadri will be present after the screening in Bozen. A related documentary, “Die Rattenlinie – Nazis auf der Flucht durch Südtirol” by Karin Duregger, is available on the ORF Mediathek.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the central theme of “Buen Camino”?

The film explores themes of wealth, self-discovery, and familial relationships, as a wealthy man searches for his daughter while confronting his own mortality.

What historical event does “Die Ermittlung” depict?

“Die Ermittlung” portrays the first Frankfurt Auschwitz trial (1963-1965), based on Peter Weiss’s play, and examines the experiences of victims during the Holocaust.

What is the “ratline” discussed in “Nazisti in fuga”?

The “ratline” was a network that helped Nazis escape Germany via South Tyrol after World War II, allowing them to reach South America.

Given the stark differences in tone and subject matter, how might these films collectively contribute to a broader cultural conversation about history, morality, and the human condition?