Jan Schhtte's 2000 film is a dramatization of a day in the life of German poet-playwright Bertold Brecht shortly before his death of heart failure in 1956, set at a lakeside retreat where the vacationing icon of East German culture is preparing to return to Berlin for a rehearsal of his latest play. But the focus isn't on Brecht's literary work, but rather on 1) the women in his life, no fewer than six of whom--his wife, an alcoholic ex-mistress, two lovers, his daughter, and a doting secretary--are on hand to compete for his attention, and 2) his political significance, thrown into relief by the presence of the more radical writer Wolfgang Harich, whose desire to enlist him in a movement to oust the current communist leadership has attracted the notice of the secret police. For those unacquainted with Brecht, The Farewell will hardly serve as a good introduction, since it assumes an acquaintance with the man's literary work and ideological beliefs rather than providing one. But as a portrait of a lion in winter, as it were, the film casts a quietly melancholy spell, especially since Josef Bierbichler is so persuasive as the alternately gruff and courteous playwright, a strangely sympathetic figure here despite his tyrannical side. Recommended. [Note: DVD extras include text biographies of Brecht, his wife Helene Weigel, and others, a historical photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a small extras package for an incisive film.] (F. Swietek)
The Farewell
New Yorker, 91 min., in German w/English subtitles, not rated, VHS: $24.99, DVD: $29.99, July 19 Volume 20, Issue 4
The Farewell
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