MovieTalk at the American Library in Karlsruhe
Details
Film of the month:
[?]* (Directed by Jane Campion, 1993; 2h 1m; FSK: ab 12)
It is the 1850s. Ada McGrath, a mute, single mother in Scotland, is sent by her own father to a settler in New Zealand as a mail-order bride. She is cast upon those farthest shores like so much unwanted baggage. With Ada are her piano, which is her “voice”, and her young daughter, who interprets for her. They are met by her designated husband and his neighbor, both of whom would later lay claim to Ada’s body. Can a person in such a situation have any agency at all?
Featuring brilliant acting, a haunting musical score by Michael Nyman, and the beautifully evocative, dark and moody wilderness of New Zealand, deliberately reminiscent of 19th-century novels by the Brontë sisters, especially Wuthering Heights. Contains some nudity and sexual activity. Winner of three Academy Awards, three BAFTA Awards and the Palme d’Or.
Starring Holly Hunter, Harvey Keitel, Sam Neill and Anna Paquin.
“A film about silence and expression beyond language.”
– Lizzie Francke, Sight and Sound
“Ada’s silence puts her in a unique position. She ostensibly has less control over her own life than other women who speak but, at the same time, she has almost complete control over the men who believe they control her.”
– Aly Caviness, Midwest Film Journal
“The wonder of [?]* is that such an outwardly simple story could emerge into such a complex swirl of lingering memories.”
– Marjorie Baumgarten, Austin Chronicle
“A masterclass in dramatic structure. Almost the perfect film.”
– Kevin Maher, The Times
“One of the all-time greats — a one-of-a-kind viewing experience.”
– Matt Brunson, Film Frenzy
Shown in English. Admission is free.
American Library in Karlsruhe
Kanalweg 52, 76149 Karlsruhe, Tel.: 0721-72752
*We aren't legally allowed to advertise the films we show by name, but we may describe them!