Never Look Away

Never Look Away, directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, is a gripping and emotionally charged drama film that transports audiences through three decades of history as it follows the life of Kurt Barnert, a fictional German artist whose experiences parallel those of the real-life painter, Gerhard Richter.

The film is set against the backdrop of Nazi Germany, and Barnert’s childhood experiences under the Third Reich set him on a path to become an artist. As a young adult, he studies at the Dresden Academy of Fine Arts, where he meets and falls in love with Ellie Seeband, the daughter of a prominent gynecologist. The Seebands are a wealthy family with ties to the Nazi party, which complicates the relationship between Kurt and Ellie.

As the war comes to a close and the Soviet occupation of East Germany begins, Kurt continues his education and becomes an artist in the socialist realist style heavily promoted by the communist government. This leads him to create public art that is meant to glorify the state, but his true passion lies in creating abstract works that are more personal and express his inner struggles.

Throughout the film, we see the character of Kurt evolve and change, as he confronts the tragedies of his past and grapples with the repercussions of his difficult upbringing. At the same time, Never Look Away tackles larger themes related to the role of art in society, the nature of creativity, and the ways in which personal experiences shape artistic expression.

What sets Never Look Away apart from other films about artists is its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of Nazi Germany and its aftermath, which has a direct impact on the characters and their relationships. The film’s depiction of how art was used to promote a political agenda, both during the war and under the Soviet regime, is also thought-provoking and provides an important historical context for understanding the power dynamics surrounding art.

The characters in Never Look Away are complex and nuanced, and the performances from the lead actors are outstanding. Tom Schilling gives a convincing portrayal of Kurt, capturing both his vulnerability and his determination to create art that reflects his true self. Sebastian Koch, as Ellie’s father, is excellent in his complex and often chilling role as a former Nazi party member. Paula Beer’s performance as Ellie is also noteworthy, adding depth and sincerity to the character.

The cinematography in Never Look Away is also impressive. The film has a lush and textured visual style, with a keen attention to detail in both the historical settings and the art that is depicted onscreen. The use of color and lighting is particularly effective, conveying a range of emotions and moods throughout the film.

Although Never Look Away is a long film with a running time of over three hours, it never feels slow or meandering. Instead, it maintains a steady pace and builds to a powerful and emotionally charged conclusion. The film’s final scenes provide a culmination of Kurt’s journey as an artist and a person, leaving audiences with a sense of catharsis and reflection.

Overall, Never Look Away is a powerful and haunting film that addresses important historical themes and profound ideas about art and creativity. Its richly drawn characters and stunning visuals make it a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of art and history, and its moving and thought-provoking storyline will stay with viewers long after the credits roll.