Let's delve into the captivating world of 'Visitation,' a film that masterfully weaves together German history and personal narratives. Directed by the esteemed Volker Schlöndorff, this cinematic journey explores a century of German history through the lens of two summer houses.
A Tale of Two Houses, A Century of History
'Visitation' is an ambitious project, adapting Jenny Erpenbeck's novel 'Heimsuchung' to bring a unique perspective to the screen. By focusing on two adjacent lakeside properties near Berlin, Schlöndorff offers a microcosmic view of Germany's tumultuous past. Archive footage provides a backdrop, illustrating the rise and fall of the Third Reich and the subsequent era of the German Democratic Republic.
The film's ensemble cast, including Martina Gedeck and Lars Eidinger, brings these historical events to life. What makes 'Visitation' particularly fascinating is its ability to showcase how political forces shape individual lives, a theme prevalent in Schlöndorff's previous works like 'The Tin Drum' and 'The Lost Honour of Katharina Blum.' Yet, the film achieves this without feeling didactic or heavy-handed, a testament to Schlöndorff's refined artistic vision.
The Summer Houses and Their Owners
A significant portion of the film was shot in and around Albert Einstein's actual summer home in Caputh. This elegant Bauhaus-style residence, designed by Konrad Wachsmann, adds an intriguing layer to the story. The house was built by a Nazi architect, played by Eidinger, who manages to put the property in the name of his fiancée, a socialite. Meanwhile, a German Jewish cloth manufacturer constructs a traditional summer hut nearby, initially putting the two families on seemingly equal footing.
As the story progresses, the architect's sinister smile hints at his unhappiness with the situation. The implementation of 'Aryanization' laws in 1933 allows him to buy the manufacturer's land cheaply, a stark reminder of the injustices of the Nazi regime. Schlöndorff handles the tragedy of the manufacturer's family with a dignified pathos, a hallmark of his directorial style.
Echoes of the Past
The film's lack of sentimentality is both striking and effective. It portrays the Holocaust's horrors through the disappearance of the manufacturer's family, with only their letters remaining as ghostly reminders. The architect, too, faces his own trials, being shipped to the Eastern Front and dealing with Soviet occupation.
In the final act, an acclaimed left-wing writer and her family take up residence in one of the houses. It is their young daughter, Marija, who discovers the hidden letters of Doris Kaplan, a real girl whose correspondence forms a key part of the narrative. Marija's character, a summer child questioning authority, adds a layer of innocence and curiosity to the film's later sections.
A Worthy Conclusion
'Visitation' leaves a lasting impression, even if it may not be Schlöndorff's magnum opus. It is a serious and well-crafted work, a fitting swan song for an 87-year-old director with a legendary career. The film's exploration of history through personal stories is a powerful reminder of the impact of political forces on individual lives. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in German history and the art of cinematic storytelling.
Personally, I find 'Visitation' to be a thought-provoking and elegantly crafted film, a true testament to Schlöndorff's skill and vision.
