07-03-12 The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen) (2006)

Seen: March 10.2007
Format: Theater (actually this theater)
Rating: 8

I don't watch the Oscars. I used to, but over the last few years I'm just not very interested. I saw Pan's Labyrinth a few weeks back (note to self: write Pan's Labyrinth review) and was surprised when I read that it hadn't won Best Foreign Language Film. This film did. So when the alumni film group decided to see The Lives of Others, I was along for the ride.

As I walked back to my car, it occurred to me that this film is a re-make of an allegorical fairy tale. I don't know which one because my fairy tale knowledge is woefully thin. We've got a brutish Troll, a noble Duke, a beautiful Princess, a thick-headed Smith, and our Hero, a meek but shrewd Tailor who rises above, saves the day and pays the price. If this isn't a fairy tale, someone needs to write it.

The Lives of Others is about two things.

First it is about voyeurism. Wiesler has no life. We're shown this very clearly. His work substitutes for his own life. Unlike Udo, his obvious opposite, he doesn't gain sexual gratification from his observations, but instead covets the human interaction which is present only via the intimacy of his profession. He can't reach out in conventional ways, but reach out he does, subtly merging his life with those of his subjects.

Second it is about compassion. At dinner after the movie, someone asked what motivated Wiesler. The consensus was compassion. That the question was asked is a testament to the film. The possibility that some other overlooked or hidden motive may have driven his actions and may have actually "made more sense" underscores the depth of his character's change.

I enjoyed this film a great deal. It unfolds slowly, which is at first was disconcerting (given the two films I saw the day before) but which I came to relish. It is almost entirely relevant, devoid of superfluous moments and details. The main characters evolve in surprising ways. There are moments of tragedy, courage, betrayal and honor. We must recognize them when we see them, as they are presented objectively. Those of the "show me, don't tell me" school will approve.

The journey the film takes is a complete one. All ends are tied, some more tightly than others. And while there is no happy ending, there is, perhaps, a just and fitting one.

The Good: Compassion in a cruel scenario.

The Bad: Oppression we can hardly begin to understand.

The Ugly: Substituting voyeurism for life.