My Sister Maria

Legendary German screen goddess Maria Schell (1926-2005) is the subject of her brother's—actor and Oscar-nominated documentary filmmaker Maximilian Schell—loving and lovely 2002 tribute to her life and work. My Sister Maria is a demanding but ultimately triumphant film, one that embraces all of its subject's difficulties as well as her accomplishments to create a unified portrait. Schell combines interviews of friends, family, and Maria herself, together with archival footage and dramatic recreations of events (including some disturbing scenes touching on his sister's deteriorating mental state), all of which he tries to interpret...for himself as well as for us. Where fact ends and reverie begins in this affecting profile is an intellectual exercise left to the viewer, and fans of Maria Schell as well as documentary lovers may be drawn to multiple viewings of this beautiful film in an attempt to tease out its truths, or just to revel in its conundrums. Highly recommended. (M. Johanson)