Hermann Treusch Movies

Director Hans Neuenfels adapted this rather theatrical version of a 1920s play by Robert Musil on the angst of reaching 40+, introducing emotional components that Musil himself preferred to avoid -- but that might satisfy today's audiences. Five protagonists gather together at a Berlin villa one February morning and in the space of 24 hours discuss, argue, and otherwise verbalize their views on life, on alienation (in the 1920s!), and on topics that will be universal for all future generations, such as relationships and the nature of reality. Individual viewers will have to decide if the theatrical approach of Neuenfels works for them or not.
~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

In this excellent drama centered around family relationships, especially that of parent and child, the problems of single motherhood are addressed from several perspectives. Isabelle (Brigitte Fossey) is a movie star in German cinema, and after she wraps a successful film in Berlin, she leaves to spend some time with her little daughter Emilie (Camille Raymond) and her parents in Normandy, France. Isabelle's mother Paula (Hildegarde Knef) was born in Germany and married her French husband after a romance that began in the war-ravaged city of Berlin. Isabelle's parents take care of Emilie while she is working because she insists on remaining a single mother -- although her lover follows her to Normandy and stays in a nearby hotel while she is with her parents. During a 24-hour period, the unresolved problems between Isabelle and her mother and father rise to the surface -- and cannot be ignored any longer. It is not an easy situation, especially since both parents are angry about some aspects of Isabelle's career and/or life that she may not be able to change. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi

Writer and director Hans Neuenfels created this movie by filming his stage production of Penthesilea, interspersing cinematic touches throughout his story of an Amazonian Queen fighting Achilles and the Greeks. Interestingly enough, his theater performance was enhanced by the use of film clips, and like this film, has set ancient characters into the modern world, mixing Amazonian loin cloths with Berlin city-scapes. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, Rovi