In 1929 German writer Alfred Döblin published his seminal, modernist novel, Berlin Alexanderplatz. It has been adapted for the screen twice before: in the 30s as a film, and in 1980 as a 14-part series by the great Rainer Werner Fassbinder.
A sweeping morality tale, it tells the story of Franz as he tries to be a good man, yet constantly gives in to the devil inside himself.
This latest iteration is a three-hour reimagining of the work, in a contemporary setting. Director Burhan Qurbani has protagonist Franz as a refugee from Guinea-Bissau, trying to carve himself a life without papers or money. The novel tells its story with different voices and perspectives. Qurbani alludes to this structure using such techniques as repetitive flashbacks and the beautifully delivered narrative of Mieze (Jella Haase), the woman Franz falls in love with.
Berlin Alexanderplatz is divided into five parts, and an epilogue, giving momentary respite to the audience, and aiding the emotional rhythm of the work. This structure also helps make the three-hour length more easily digestible. Qurbani worked with Martin Behnke on the screenplay, which balances realistic dialogue, flashbacks, dream-sequences, action, and voice-overs. A slight touch of expressionism never tips into the obscure: the script keeps the work anchored to reality, but allows flights of fancy. Yoshi Heimrath’s cinematography captures it all with the eye of a master.
Welket Bungué gives a career-defining performance as Franz. Albrecht Schuch is brilliant as the ghastly Reinhold, managing to gives us some sympathy for an inherently unlikeable character. Schuch won Best Supporting Actor at the German Film Awards for this outstanding performance. As well as giving us the lyrical voice-overs that wrap around the film, Jella Haase delivers a subtle and exquisite characterisation of Mieze.
Berlin Alexanderplatz is extraordinary, sweeping, audacious, moving, and beautiful.
It is a testament to the power of cinema.
Berlin Alexanderplatz is showing as part of the German Film Festival at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect.
Click here for screening times.
a masterpiece 5 stars
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