Das Vaterspiel (2009) User Reviews

Glawogger has done better on other occasions

[Horst_In_Translation · 4/10 · 23 March 2017]

"Das Vaterspiel" is a co-production between Austria, Germany, France and Ireland from 2009, so this German-language film will have its 10th anniversary 2 years from now. The cast includes mostly German and Austrian actors and the director is Michael Glawogger in one of his later career works before his untimely death. He is also the one who adapted the Haslinger novel for the screen here. It is a relatively long film as it comes close to the 2-hour mark and the most known names in the cast are Tukur, Timoteo, Weisz, Tramitz, Finzi and Strong I guess. I must say judging from the plot summary here on IMDb, this does sound pretty nicely in theory: a touch if "Babel" set against the years of Nazi Germany and the consequences it has for individual characters in 21st century Austria. But I was pretty disappointed unfortunately. To me it felt as if everybody was just doing work to rule, there were no really inspired moments in terms of both the script and acting. Not one single scene that has you on the edge of your seat or really impressed whatsoever. The consequence is also that I cared extremely little for the characters and that there was simply nothing memorable about this film. The subject sure could have made an emotional impact as well, especially with the old man, but there it did come short too. I generally do think Austrian films are superior to German right now, but maybe this only applies to those that are a mix of comedy and drama right now and not to those that are drama (maybe with historical references) except comedy. All in all, there wasn't a performance or single aspect in here where I would say this resulted in the film being good enough to let me recommend it. Then again, none of the actors are really among my very favorites. As a consequence, i give "Kill Daddy Good Night" (pretty bad English title too in my opinion) a thumbs-down. Not recommended.

Sophisticated drama for grown-up audience

[richard_sleboe · 8/10 · 3 January 2010]

They say you can take the man from the country, but you can't take the country from the man. Remember Tori Amos and her "Strange Little Girls" project? In 2001, she recorded an album of cover versions and posed for the booklet wearing a variety of wigs, hats, and glasses. Yet in every one of the dozen or so head shots, she looked strangely like Tori Amos. I guess you can't fake mystery. To Sabine Timoteo, who plays Mimi, it comes naturally. She is the focal point of this movie, and her performance alone would well make it worth your while. But Austrian writer-director Michael Glawogger doesn't only give us the girl of a thousand faces. He has also made an engaging and entertaining movie about a range of very serious subjects: growing up and growing old, secrets and lies, guilt and forgiveness, rage and revenge. He succeeds by focusing on just a few pieces of the puzzle, and sticking with them to the end. I loved how the computer game that is part of the plot seeps into the movie at crucial moments. Outstanding performances by Ulrich Tukur as a witness to the Nazi genocide, and by Itzhak and Samuel Finzi as the objects of his testimony. Guest appearance by comedian Christian Tramitz as a corrupt politician and failing father. He should try his hand at serious parts more often. He more than holds his own in this sophisticated movie for grown-up people.