Berlinale 2009: Daddy Killers, Eccentric Blondes, Romanian Redemption, and Ozon's Magical Baby

I spent some time this morning perusing the list of films that have already been announced for this year's Berlinale, which takes place between February 5-15. On paper, at least, it seems that 2009 could turn out to be a vast improvement over last year's festival, which, by all accounts, was lackluster at best. Four films that I'm particularly excited about are:

Kill Daddy Good Night (Das Vaterspiel) - Michael Glawogger, Austria
I'm only familiar with Glawogger's documentary work, especially the wonderful Workingman's Death, which was popular on the festival circuit in 2005. His latest film is based on the best-selling novel, Das Vaterspiel, which is about Rupert, a 35 year-old Austrian computer programmer (and loser) designing a video game about killing his father. A former girlfriend now living in New York asks for his help in dealing with a distant relative, who happens to be a former Nazi hiding in a basement in Long Island. Even more appealing that than plot is the fact that the cast includes Sabine Timoteo (pictured, left), co-star of The Free Will. As David Hudson concurs, that's all I really needed to know.

Eccentricities of a Blonde-haired Girl (Singularidades de uma rapariga loura) - Manoel de Oliveira, Portugal
Oliveira turned 100 a few weeks ago, but that hasn't slowed him down any. He's got two films slated for 2009, and this one, based on a short story by Eça de Queirós is having its world premiere at the fest. I don't know a thing about it, but who cares? With a title like that, it has to be good.

Katalin Varga - Peter Strickland, Romania/UK/Hungary
Vengeance and redemption-themed debut from this UK-based filmmaker sounds oddly compelling: Antal Borlan's loving wife would never even suspect that her devoted and kind husband is responsible for a past atrocity. Antal believes he has felt God's forgiveness and that his enduring marriage is testament to his redemption. An avenging angel by the name of Katalin Varga scales the Carpathian Mountains by horse and is in possession of the one thing that can redefine Antal's notion of redemption. Yet Katalin cannot fully comprehend the notion of vengeance until the devastating trail she leaves behind in her search for Antal finally catches up with her. Check out the trailer below:

Ricky - François Ozon, France
Francois Ozon is without question one of the most interesting filmmakers working today. A formalist who is continually reinventing himself, he's never afraid to take chances, but there's a remarkable restraint to his audacity. I'm still shocked that Angel, one of his best films (and a highlight of the 2007 Berlinale) has yet to find a release in the States. (And it's even in English!) There's not enough in this deceptive trailer for Ricky, which is having its world premiere, to suss out exactly what's going on, but who can resist a magical baby? Horror film, tragic family drama, or light comedy? You be the judge....

Comments

[Aaron]

It'll be my first time attending the festival, so I'm very excited. The Ozon and de Oliveira can't be missed, and although I've never seen any of Michael Glawogger's work, KILL DADDY GOOD NIGHT sounds intriguing.

I'm also jazzed about the Retrospective of 70mm films - mostly for the chance to see CHEYENNE AUTUMN in its proper way to be seen.

[Filmbrain]

Aaron -- that's great news about Berlin. Are you covering it for somebody, or just for More Than Meets the Mogwai?

I'm tempted every year by the retrospective, but I try to focus my attention on new titles. However, each year I find myself going to at least one. The fact that Lawrence of Arabia, West Side Story, 2001: A Space Odyssey are all playing is going to make it harder to stay away. I might check out one of the classic Soviet films, or perhaps the DEFA production of Goya.

[Aaron]

I was selected as part of the Berlinale Talent Press, but I do hope to provide a lot of coverage on my blog. I also see that there's a new Chabrol film I must check out.

Those classic Soviet films were on my list, too! If I happen to see you, I'll be sure to say hi.

[Glenn Kenny]

Sweet Jesus that Ozon trailer is awesome.

[Joe Bowman]

I read just yesterday that IFC has picked up Angel as part of their VOD Festival Direct series. I still have no idea what took so long for anyone to grab it.

[Ryland Walker Knight]

Fuck, yes. I echo GK. How come more trailers aren't that smart? that TANTALIZING?

[David Ehrenstein]

Tres interessant -- as always with Ozon. He revived Charlotte Rampling's career (Under the Sand is teriffic) and more or less invented Ludivine Sagnier. His Time to Leave, with the lovely Meville Poupaud, should have been better received than it was.

And on top of all this he's quite the babe.

[Erin Donovan]

I totally agree about Ozon (and Angel!) I love that this new film looks such a weird, new direction for him. Can't wait to read your coverage!

[musicmope]

Not covering Berlinale for EXBERLINER this year, but will probably catch a couple of flicks. Let me know if you'd like to hang. - dS