Myriam Abbas Movies
- 1998
The heroes of Andreas Dresen's metropolitan elegy become dreamers when confronted by harsh reality. A farmer dreams of romantic love in a red light district; a homeless man and woman dream of finding a room for the night; and an aging businessman dreams of a big career, unaware that it is too late. All this happens on the night when the Pope arrives in Berlin! The film was shot in 47 night shifts and countless winter outdoor shoots, yet improvisation was always part of the action, such as the scene with actor Oliver Bassler, who was not forewarned he would be entering a sleazy hotel room. The hand-held camera and grainy film stock give the film authenticity and a tragi-comic touch. An example of radical cinema which blends passion and political awareness with a sincere approach, Nachtgestalten succeeds in delivering on the promise of the director's first feature, Silent Country (1992). Michael Gwisdek received the Silver Bear for Best actor for his role as Peschke, the aging businessman, at the 49th International Berlin Film Festival in 1999. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Myriam Abbas, Dominique Horwitz, (more)
- 1992
This German tragedy follows a father and son as they travel towards the father's former home. Kadir, an Algerian immigrant, has just been freed after spending two years in a Berlin mental hospital. Upon his release he learns that his ex-wife bore his son, Louis, not long after he left. She wants Kadir to have no contact with the boy. Kadir tries to create a new life in Germany but cannot handle the racism of his co-workers. He decides to return to Algiers, but before he goes, he kidnaps his son. The father and his tiny son suffer many events and meet many strange people along the way. Every new hurdle, evokes terrible memories in Kadir as he relives his father's abuse. The film's final tragedy is not difficult to predict. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
