The Lives of Others

The Lives of Others

I could not think of a better title to borrow for the name of my blog than the title of this 2006 film from Germany. The reason for that is that it is the best movie I have seen in the last ten years. I do not make it a practice to speak in absolutes when it comes to the arts...what I mean when I say best is that it has been my favorite film-it has meant more to me than any other film of which I can think. It won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film, and it is easy to see why it had such a powerful effect.

To sum it up, the film is set in East Germany in 1984. A loyal Socialist playwright (Georg) has begun to question some of the elements of the East German regime. At the same time, his girlfriend finds favor with the head of the East German police (The Stasi). The head of police decides to bug the playwright's house so he can pursue his girlfriend. They put their best surveillance man on the job (Wiesler). The movie could have become a silly voyeuristic romp. Instead, it takes a profound turn. The man listens into the life of this playwright, and realizes what he is missing in his own life. What he decides to do about it is what the film is about.

Georg's girlfriend is Christa Marie, one of the most popular stage actresses in East Germany. She is played by Martina Gedeck with such soul and sadness that one cannot help but feel her pain as we watch the movie. In the end, the socialists are crushing the creative lives in the country, including hers. She cannot bear it. As Georg plays a piece of music on the piano, he quotes a memorable quote from Lenin. Georg says that Lenin had to stop listening to Beethoven's Appasionata Sonata, because if he continued, the revolution wouldn't happen. Georg finally decides to stray from his loyalty when one of his favorite play directors commits suicide.

There are so many scenes to cherish: As Wiesler listens in on Georg's life, he observes the richness of beauty of his life, as opposed to his subject. While Georg enjoys a life of fulfilling love, Wiesler can only ask a prostitute if she can stay a while longer to keep him company. As Wiesler begins to change, he stops himself from pursuing the name of a child's father who has cast aspersions on the Stasi. The boy is innocent and is only quoting his father, and one can watch Wiesler's eyes as he hears the words of treason from the small boy, and then decides to go in a different direction. And finally, the lengths the people in this film have to pursue to simply have an honest conversation is striking.

The end of the film is sublime. It is so moving and true. I will not reveal it here of course, because it is too great a surprise to do so. For those of us old enough to remember watching the Berlin Wall fall, this film is extra poignant. It wasn't so long ago, but it seems distant. Watching the power of art, freedom and beauty change the heart of a man is a lovely sight. That is why I love this movie.

The Kid

Sometimes simplicity is a mark of brilliance. Sometimes the ability of a filmmaker to connect on a level so basic that young children can follow it is noteworthy. Such is the case with this film, the first feature film Charlie Chaplin ever made.

It wasn't until I had children that I realized how perfect silent films are for them. The dialogue is spare, and the mime work is so expressive that children can follow the plot. The plot of this film is simple...Chaplin's Tramp discovers a child who is left on the street by his broke and abandoned mother. After various comical attempts to rid himself of the burden, he finds a note in the baby's blanket pleading with whoever finds the child to care for it. The Tramp takes the child in and raises him. Most of the movie is about their less than honest livelihood and what happens when the authorities begin to get involved.

The Tramp character never fails to pluck at my heart strings. He is a rascal, but a soulful one, and everything he does (even the dishonest stuff) ends up looking heartfelt. The actor who played the kid (Jackie Coogan) ended up becoming the first big child star, and his performance is also wonderful.

I could also go on about the wonderful physical comedy and rudimentary film tricks that must have seemed so modern...but I won't. Instead, see this movie for what it is...a sweet movie that gives us a glimpse into the mind of a film genius. It shows us an artist who is just beginning to see what film could do. It is only 54 minutes long. If you've seen "City Lights" or "Gold Rush", makes sure you check this one out. And if you have children, have them watch it with you. My kids could not stop laughing at some points of the movie.