1938, Austria. A referendum is being held by the state: Shall Austria oppose the advance of German military might, or shall they peaceably join the confederation of German-controlled territories? Dr. Josef Bartok (Oliver Masucci) is frightened by the threat of fascist occupation, but he believes the newspapers and his society friends when they say such a thing will never happen.
Because of that, he is caught off guard when the Germans threaten military action unless their selected chancellor is appointed as head of the government in Austria. His contact within the government tells him to leave immediately, but Dr. Bartok sends his wife ahead to escape by ship while he returns to the apartment to memorize and then destroy important documents. The Gestapo is already on their way to his home and they catch him in the act. Josef is cloistered away in a former luxury hotel occupied by the Gestapo. In isolation and under further psychological torture, he finds solace in his sole companion, a chess manual.
Chess Story is an incredible thriller with outstanding psychological elements. Unlike some other big names in the genre like Shutter Island and Inception, the question of reality arises early in the story and we actually get an answer as to which reality is actually happening. Clues are dotted all around from actors playing multiple parts and detailed costuming or set-dressing choices that can alert attentive viewers to the possibly warped nature of Josef’s perception.
The film is beautifully shot from beginning to end, and the opening sequence is experimental and haunting. Some scenes and shots seem almost Hitchcockian in composition which will captivate thriller fans throughout the film. I didn’t want to look away from Chess Story once: Its story, mystery, and subtle visual effects make this German-language psychological thriller a must-see for any fans of the genre or lovers of mystery. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice.
Where does this title belong on public library shelves?
Chess Story would fit well in both foreign film collections and psychological thriller collections.
What type of film series could use this film?
Film series about World War II, psychological warfare, and captive stories would benefit from the addition of Chess Story