Author: Zgamer
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Das Country
Written and directed by Thomas McCarthy
Cinematography by Oliver Bokelberg
Edited by Tom McArdle
Original Music by Jan A.P. Kaminski
Cast
Martina Gedeck as Hannah Farber
Til Schweiger as Niklas Farber
Diane Kruger as Leah Farber
Thomas Kretschmann as Kurt Farber
Jorge Garcia as David Macias
Richard Jenkins as Patrick McKay
Tagline: When cultures collide, who knows what will develop
Synopsis
Life in America has not been as easy as Hannah Farber would have hoped. It’s hard to believe that only a year ago she and her husband Niklas were living a good life running an auto dealership. Then came the financial crisis that ruined Niklas’ company and his publicized affair with a secretary that almost ruined their marriage. Before gossip in their town could get worse, Niklas’ older brother Kurt offered to pay for them to come to America and have Niklas work at Kurt’s car repair shop. Though reluctant, Hannah and Niklas realize it may be their only chance for something better.
It turns out things have only been marginally better. As grateful as Hannah is to have a home to live with, sharing it with Kurt and his young, bubbly wife Leah can make things crammed. Niklas decided to work longer hours to save money for a new home, but his temper, stubbornness towards learning English and disagreements over how the shop’s absent-minded owner Mr. McKay is running things has led to many arguments with the normally mild mannered Kurt. Meanwhile, Hannah has had her own issues just being at home. Though she’s tried her best to learn English, her awkwardness with American culture has made her less motivated to do so. If they are all as fat and weird as that neighbor next door or as consumer crazy as Leah has become living in America, she doesn’t want a part of it. Likewise, Hannah has still had issues overcoming Niklas’ affair. Though they have worked long and hard to patch the wounds, Hannah feels guilty that she still needs to dangle it in front of him if he gets too out of hand. She loves him still, but unless they can bridge the final gaps between them, Hannah fears what may come out of it.
Then came a night that would change everything. That night, Hannah found herself caught in an argument as Niklas railed at Kurt for not recommending him for a promotion. Right when it seemed like Niklas was going to hit someone, a large thud was heard from the neighbor’s house. Seeing no lights on, the three of them decide to check to see if he was being robbed. It turns out they got more than they bargained for, as they found the neighbor, David Macias, on the ground after an attempted suicide. He is rushed to the hospital and though the Farbers find out he will be ok, David’s outstanding debts and foreclosure of his home enacted that day mean he has little else to look forward to. Feeling conscience nagging her, Hannah persuades the others to let David stay at their home until he can find a new place to stay. Though not happy to have another person hogging space, Niklas agrees to let him stay at least a week.
David is a complete mess. Obese and shrewish, he has given himself to despair. Hannah, feeling responsible for some weird reason, encourages the others to socialize with him as much as they can. After a few awkward “lost in translation” chats, they get David comfortable enough to share some details about himself. Back in the day, David was a skilled engineer and quite the sociable person before a failed invention pitch sunk his savings. Talking about his engineering peaks Niklas and Kurt’s curiosity enough to see how capable he is. At Hannah’s insistence, Kurt pulls a few strings to convince Mr. McKay to let David work part time at the shop to help build his confidence. Though Niklas is not eager for competition, learning more about David’s auto engineering ideas has made him more eager to befriend him.
As the weeks go by, things seem to improve for David and the Farbers. While David has helped Niklas and Kurt plan a few ideas to expand past the repair shop, he and Leah have also helped Hannah become more adapted to American culture and learning English. David has even been able to talk to her and Niklas about over their marriage problems, having gone through a divorce himself. As unforeseen complications arise from both David’s and Hannah’s past however, only time will tell if this budding friendship will help the five of them become better people and maybe even like being a part of this country, whether native or not.
What the Press Would Say
With The Station Agent, The Visitor and Win Win, Thomas McCarthy has slowly but surely built his reputation as a director to watch for. He has shown a nack for understanding character and how their interactions can influence the story as much as their relationships to each other. Now he comes with what may be his most ambitious film to date with Das Country. With a stellar ensemble of regulars and small time actors on top of a fantastic script, Das Country has risen as a dark horse in this year’s Oscar competiton.
Das Country’s premise bears many resemblances to McCarthy’s previous works. It continues to play upon themes of overcoming one’s self, working with cultural discrepancies to find common ground, finding satisfaction in life no matter the circumstance and, of course, the stranger who changes life for everyone. However, this is the first time McCarthy has reversed the cultural roles where the foreigners are the ones whose lives are interfered by someone from the actual place. This helps cover themes of identity, nationality and cultural diversity in unique and compelling ways. The way the characters are written also opens a diversity of emotions and angles for the story to approach, from the weightier elements of Hannah and Niklas’ marital problems to humorous moments like Niklas and David’s awkward first attempt to have an English conversation with each other. In the end though, the film gets a lot of mileage out of having a heart. It inherently believes people are good no matter the circumstance and even rougher characters like Niklas manage to soften up as they interact with other people. It’s good human drama that ultimately wants you to feel good.
Though it may not wow with its technical prowess aside from smooth editing and a beautifully subdued score by Jan A.P. Kaminski, it is the writing, acting and directing that makes the film a winner. Headlined by talented if lesser-known German performers, the film manages to keep the star power managed to have these people feel natural and real. As the heart of the film, Martina Gedeck shines as Hannah Farber. A sympathetic and charming personality, we see how she continues to develop as the most rational character while also improving on her own faults. Til Schweiger, best known for his memorable role in Inglourious Basterds, also excels as her temperamental though good intentioned husband. While he is the character who must go through the most change, Schweiger makes the change feel organic through his performance where we believe his moments of anger as much as his moments of introspection. It’s also a treat to see these two perform together as a married couple, convincingly portraying the hurt from betrayal with a realistic approach to keeping matrimony alive through the hardest conditions.
There are also a number of terrific supporting turns to note. Kretschmann and Kruger are an equally entertaining “opposites attract” couple that both manage to have their moments to shine. From Kretschmann’s heartfelt discussions with Schweiger to Leah’s entertaining moments of comedic relief, they help balance the story and ensemble nicely. There’s also a lovely little supporting part for Richard Jenkins to shine with, who uses his minimal screen time to great effect. In a surprising turn though, it’s Jorge Garcia who steps up to prove he is a talented performer. Though there are plenty of elements that will remind viewers of his character Hurley from Lost, he also shows off a sensitive and emotional side that we have not seen from him yet. He helps us understand why David is the mess he is while sympathizing with the kind of person we all hope he can be.
Das Country will not likely be a hit or even the film everyone will hail as “the best of that year.” However, it will prove an incredibly rewarding experience for those who watch it and it will likely build the critic love that it deserves to garner awards consideration. Everyone should at least give this a shot just to see what people are talking about.
Awards Possibilities
Best Picture
Best Director (Thomas McCarthy)
Best Actor (Til Schweiger)
Best Actress (Martina Gedeck)
Best Supporting Actor (Thomas Kretschmann)
Best Supporting Actor (Jorge Garcia)
Best Supporting Actress (Diane Kruger)
Best Original Screenplay (Thomas McCarthy)
Best Cinematography (Oliver Bokelberg)
Best Editing (Tom McArdle)
Best Original Score (Jan A.P. Kaminski)
Location: Eagle, Idaho
Das Country
Written and directed by Thomas McCarthy
Cinematography by Oliver Bokelberg
Edited by Tom McArdle
Original Music by Jan A.P. Kaminski
Cast
Martina Gedeck as Hannah Farber
Til Schweiger as Niklas Farber
Diane Kruger as Leah Farber
Thomas Kretschmann as Kurt Farber
Jorge Garcia as David Macias
Richard Jenkins as Patrick McKay
Tagline: When cultures collide, who knows what will develop
Synopsis
Life in America has not been as easy as Hannah Farber would have hoped. It’s hard to believe that only a year ago she and her husband Niklas were living a good life running an auto dealership. Then came the financial crisis that ruined Niklas’ company and his publicized affair with a secretary that almost ruined their marriage. Before gossip in their town could get worse, Niklas’ older brother Kurt offered to pay for them to come to America and have Niklas work at Kurt’s car repair shop. Though reluctant, Hannah and Niklas realize it may be their only chance for something better.
It turns out things have only been marginally better. As grateful as Hannah is to have a home to live with, sharing it with Kurt and his young, bubbly wife Leah can make things crammed. Niklas decided to work longer hours to save money for a new home, but his temper, stubbornness towards learning English and disagreements over how the shop’s absent-minded owner Mr. McKay is running things has led to many arguments with the normally mild mannered Kurt. Meanwhile, Hannah has had her own issues just being at home. Though she’s tried her best to learn English, her awkwardness with American culture has made her less motivated to do so. If they are all as fat and weird as that neighbor next door or as consumer crazy as Leah has become living in America, she doesn’t want a part of it. Likewise, Hannah has still had issues overcoming Niklas’ affair. Though they have worked long and hard to patch the wounds, Hannah feels guilty that she still needs to dangle it in front of him if he gets too out of hand. She loves him still, but unless they can bridge the final gaps between them, Hannah fears what may come out of it.
Then came a night that would change everything. That night, Hannah found herself caught in an argument as Niklas railed at Kurt for not recommending him for a promotion. Right when it seemed like Niklas was going to hit someone, a large thud was heard from the neighbor’s house. Seeing no lights on, the three of them decide to check to see if he was being robbed. It turns out they got more than they bargained for, as they found the neighbor, David Macias, on the ground after an attempted suicide. He is rushed to the hospital and though the Farbers find out he will be ok, David’s outstanding debts and foreclosure of his home enacted that day mean he has little else to look forward to. Feeling conscience nagging her, Hannah persuades the others to let David stay at their home until he can find a new place to stay. Though not happy to have another person hogging space, Niklas agrees to let him stay at least a week.
David is a complete mess. Obese and shrewish, he has given himself to despair. Hannah, feeling responsible for some weird reason, encourages the others to socialize with him as much as they can. After a few awkward “lost in translation” chats, they get David comfortable enough to share some details about himself. Back in the day, David was a skilled engineer and quite the sociable person before a failed invention pitch sunk his savings. Talking about his engineering peaks Niklas and Kurt’s curiosity enough to see how capable he is. At Hannah’s insistence, Kurt pulls a few strings to convince Mr. McKay to let David work part time at the shop to help build his confidence. Though Niklas is not eager for competition, learning more about David’s auto engineering ideas has made him more eager to befriend him.
As the weeks go by, things seem to improve for David and the Farbers. While David has helped Niklas and Kurt plan a few ideas to expand past the repair shop, he and Leah have also helped Hannah become more adapted to American culture and learning English. David has even been able to talk to her and Niklas about over their marriage problems, having gone through a divorce himself. As unforeseen complications arise from both David’s and Hannah’s past however, only time will tell if this budding friendship will help the five of them become better people and maybe even like being a part of this country, whether native or not.
What the Press Would Say
With The Station Agent, The Visitor and Win Win, Thomas McCarthy has slowly but surely built his reputation as a director to watch for. He has shown a nack for understanding character and how their interactions can influence the story as much as their relationships to each other. Now he comes with what may be his most ambitious film to date with Das Country. With a stellar ensemble of regulars and small time actors on top of a fantastic script, Das Country has risen as a dark horse in this year’s Oscar competiton.
Das Country’s premise bears many resemblances to McCarthy’s previous works. It continues to play upon themes of overcoming one’s self, working with cultural discrepancies to find common ground, finding satisfaction in life no matter the circumstance and, of course, the stranger who changes life for everyone. However, this is the first time McCarthy has reversed the cultural roles where the foreigners are the ones whose lives are interfered by someone from the actual place. This helps cover themes of identity, nationality and cultural diversity in unique and compelling ways. The way the characters are written also opens a diversity of emotions and angles for the story to approach, from the weightier elements of Hannah and Niklas’ marital problems to humorous moments like Niklas and David’s awkward first attempt to have an English conversation with each other. In the end though, the film gets a lot of mileage out of having a heart. It inherently believes people are good no matter the circumstance and even rougher characters like Niklas manage to soften up as they interact with other people. It’s good human drama that ultimately wants you to feel good.
Though it may not wow with its technical prowess aside from smooth editing and a beautifully subdued score by Jan A.P. Kaminski, it is the writing, acting and directing that makes the film a winner. Headlined by talented if lesser-known German performers, the film manages to keep the star power managed to have these people feel natural and real. As the heart of the film, Martina Gedeck shines as Hannah Farber. A sympathetic and charming personality, we see how she continues to develop as the most rational character while also improving on her own faults. Til Schweiger, best known for his memorable role in Inglourious Basterds, also excels as her temperamental though good intentioned husband. While he is the character who must go through the most change, Schweiger makes the change feel organic through his performance where we believe his moments of anger as much as his moments of introspection. It’s also a treat to see these two perform together as a married couple, convincingly portraying the hurt from betrayal with a realistic approach to keeping matrimony alive through the hardest conditions.
There are also a number of terrific supporting turns to note. Kretschmann and Kruger are an equally entertaining “opposites attract” couple that both manage to have their moments to shine. From Kretschmann’s heartfelt discussions with Schweiger to Leah’s entertaining moments of comedic relief, they help balance the story and ensemble nicely. There’s also a lovely little supporting part for Richard Jenkins to shine with, who uses his minimal screen time to great effect. In a surprising turn though, it’s Jorge Garcia who steps up to prove he is a talented performer. Though there are plenty of elements that will remind viewers of his character Hurley from Lost, he also shows off a sensitive and emotional side that we have not seen from him yet. He helps us understand why David is the mess he is while sympathizing with the kind of person we all hope he can be.
Das Country will not likely be a hit or even the film everyone will hail as “the best of that year.” However, it will prove an incredibly rewarding experience for those who watch it and it will likely build the critic love that it deserves to garner awards consideration. Everyone should at least give this a shot just to see what people are talking about.
Awards Possibilities
Best Picture
Best Director (Thomas McCarthy)
Best Actor (Til Schweiger)
Best Actress (Martina Gedeck)
Best Supporting Actor (Thomas Kretschmann)
Best Supporting Actor (Jorge Garcia)
Best Supporting Actress (Diane Kruger)
Best Original Screenplay (Thomas McCarthy)
Best Cinematography (Oliver Bokelberg)
Best Editing (Tom McArdle)
Best Original Score (Jan A.P. Kaminski)