Visitation, a film by Volker Schlöndorff, is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of German history through the lens of two summer houses. Based on Jenny Erpenbeck's novel, Heimsuchung, the movie offers a unique and intimate perspective on the country's tumultuous past, spanning from the rise of the Third Reich to the fall of the Berlin Wall. Schlöndorff's masterful direction and the strong cast, including Martina Gedeck and Lars Eidinger, bring this microcosm of history to life, blending personal narratives with political forces in a way that is both compelling and nuanced.
One of the film's most intriguing aspects is its setting. The houses, located near Albert Einstein's summer home in Caputh, add a layer of historical significance to the story. Einstein's house, a Bauhaus-style structure, is built by a Nazi architect, played by Lars Eidinger, who also portrays the Jewish cloth manufacturer's neighbor. This architectural detail symbolizes the complex interplay between personal lives and political ideologies, a theme that runs throughout the film.
The narrative follows the lives of two families, the Jewish manufacturer and his family, and the Nazi architect and his fiancée. The architect's legal maneuver to put the deeds in his fiancée's name sets the stage for the tragedy that unfolds. As the Third Reich rises, the manufacturer's family is forced to flee, and their story becomes a haunting reminder of the Holocaust. Schlöndorff's handling of this tragedy is both dignified and poignant, using ghostly imagery and the letters of Doris Kaplan to convey the impact of the events.
The film also explores the impact of the war and the rise of the GDR. The architect is shipped to the Eastern Front, and his wife must navigate the occupation of Soviet soldiers in their home. This period is depicted with a subtle sense of unease, reflecting the challenges faced by individuals under the shadow of political change.
In the final act, the story shifts to the GDR era, where an acclaimed left-wing writer gains sole access to the house. This section, while interesting, feels somewhat disconnected from the previous parts of the film. The focus on Marija, a young girl who discovers Doris' letters, provides a fresh perspective on the historical events, but it also feels like a slight departure from the main narrative.
Visitation is a work of serious craftsmanship, offering a unique and intimate perspective on German history. While it may not be Schlöndorff's best film, it is a worthy addition to his body of work. The film's exploration of personal lives within the context of political forces is a testament to his refined cinematic and literary taste, making it a must-watch for those interested in German history and cinema.
