Thoughtful Start to the 63rd Viennale with Petzold's "Miroirs No. 3"

The Viennale starts its 63rd edition on Thursday evening with few words. For the opening of the film series, director Eva Sangiorgi has chosen Christian Petzold's "Miroirs No. 3", a contemplative work - which also honors the new festival president. After all, the 65-year-old German director completes his trilogy dedicated to the elements with this work and is duly welcomed in Vienna for his inauguration.

Miroirs No. 3: A Storm is Brewing

Thus, "Miroirs No. 3" is set in the wind-swept landscape of Brandenburg - while the predecessors "Undine" were dedicated to water and "Roter Himmel" to fire. It is here that the piano student Laura (Paula Beer) from Berlin has a car accident with her boyfriend, in which he dies. Laura, who is only slightly injured, is found by the unknown Betty (Barbara Auer) and decides on the spur of the moment to stay with the woman living in a somewhat run-down but cozy country house.

The community of the unequal women works initially, as Laura finds peace in the vast landscape, while Betty seems inexplicably taken with her guest. At the same time, subtle irritations disturb the supposed harmony from the start. People stop, observe the protagonists, soon joined by Betty's husband Richard (Matthias Brandt) and son Max (Enno Trebs). Slowly, in quiet scenes, hints of a tragedy that looms over the events unfold.

Few Words, Yet Everything Said

As always with Petzold, no one makes big speeches, chatter has no place in the laconic moment. The ensemble, mainly composed of Petzold's regular cast, tells the story through facial expressions. Barbara Auer hides pain behind cheerfulness, Paula Beer is lost and seems to find support. The unraveling of the story occurs non-verbally when Laura plays the titular "Miroirs No. 3" by Maurice Ravel on the piano - unaware of the significance the piece holds for her hostess.

The quality of Christian Petzold's storytelling, who also wrote the screenplay, perhaps lies in the fact that he ultimately deviates from the level of unspoken desires, the utopia of possible approaches beyond individual boundaries. In the end, everyone remains on their path, no one can save the other. The fences around the properties are high yet mostly open. However, permanently crossing the opening does not succeed.

Miroirs No. 3 at the Viennale

"Miroirs No. 3" by Christian Petzold will be shown on October 16 at 7 PM at the Gartenbaukino, 8:30 PM at the Stadtkino, 9 PM at the Urania and the Metro Kinokulturhaus, and on October 18 at 3:30 PM at the Stadtkino.

(APA)

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