Living Without Money

Living Without Money is a 2010 documentary film by Line Halvorsen that reflects on the inspiring and unconventional life of Heidemarie Schwermer, a 70-year-old German woman who decided to live entirely without cash more than 20 years ago. This 50-minute-long film takes the audience on a journey into the depths of a moneyless society, presenting an alternate lifestyle where currency becomes redundant and humanity flourishes.

A former psychologist and teacher, Schwermer embarked on her journey into a cash-free life in 1996 following a crucial moment in her life that profoundly changed her perception of money. After having witnessed the catastrophic fallout of World War II, she was driven by a desire to break the shackles of the monetary system that she believed harbored inequality and stress, and to promote a society that valued connections, exchanges, and shared resources.

Living Without Money provides a thought-provoking exploration of Schwermer’s life journey — how a woman with two children left a financially secured life and embraced a lifestyle devoid of any monetary exchanges. She explains how she exchanges services like cleaning, cooking, and gardening against what she needs to survive and live fulfilling life. However, the film does not only highlight her extraordinary persona, it also opens a broader conversation on the societal and psychological implications of a life disconnected from the global economy.

The Norwegian director, Line Halvorsen, does a remarkable job of capturing Schwermer's sense of freedom and happiness deriving from such a lifestyle, juxtaposing it against the anxieties and materialistic goals that dominate our modern society. The scenic German countryside and urban landscapes serve as the backdrop to Schwermer’s life, underscoring the contrast between her minimalist existence and the consumption-driven society surrounding her.

Schwermer, throughout the film, energetically ushers the viewers into her world, showing how her life is a busy calendar of services offered and received. From spending an afternoon gardening for a city-dwelling family to helping a local artist declutter their workspace, Schwermer is always on the move, always helping, always receiving.

The movie is an embodiment of her philosophy — Give and Take. It presents Schwermer's story not as a didactic monologue but as an earnest dialogue that brings the viewers face to face with their relationship with money. The strength of the film lies in how it records the nuances of Schwermer’s choices and convictions without glorifying or condemning them.

A central figure in Germany's Exchange Circle movement, most of Schwermer's mainstream fame drops from her participation in this alternative lifestyle experiment. The film highlights the essence of her mission - to promote a society that puts emphasis on human exchange and communication, on sharing and helping each other, rather than accumulating money and possessions.

Moreover, Living Without Money is not just a documentary about Schwermer; it also serves as a critique of our modern consumerist society. Through thoughtfully integrated interviews and conversations, Halvorsen embarks on a poignant exploration of our economic system and its implications, lending depth and dimension to her subject's seemingly radical choice. The film helps the audience view money from a different angle, provoking self-reflection and introspection about our own attitudes towards wealth, poverty, and life values.

Indeed, Schwermer’s take on life is polarizing, but the essence of her approach resonates with anyone who has ever questioned the relentless pursuit of money. It is a documentary that encourages its viewers to question and, perhaps, re-evaluate their relationship with money, society, and indeed, their understanding of a fulfilling life.

Living Without Money opens up an ecosystem where money does not dictate one’s existence, thereby offering a unique perspective on life beyond the conventional societal norms. Through Schwermer's journey, the film unearths the profound possibilities of a life driven by human connection and grounded in humility, sparking an important dialogue about the real essence of life and the power of living simply. This film is recommended for those who enjoy cultural documentary films and who are open to alternative ways of thinking about money.