Thursday, June 6, 2013

Review: The Seventh Continent (1989)

A remarkable debut from Haneke.

Directed by Michael Haneke
Produced by Veit Heiduschka
Written by Michael Haneke and Joanna Teicht
Starring Birgit Doll, Dieter Berner, Leni Tanzer, and Umo Samel

****

Based on a true story. It's always touted before sappy, predictable films with happy endings and familiar plots. But what if an auteur made a film that was linked to actual events? The answer is this striking debut feature from Michael Haneke that proves he's been making great films from the start (and for over two decades). Since this film plays out at Haneke's slow pace, and features an ending that will likely shock, the plot is best described in a few words as possible. A family consisting of a mother, father, and daughter decides to leave its European roots, and venture to Australia. What better way to escape from their mundane existence than the rugged outback? But there's more going on than meets the eye, as the family has a much darker plan in mind. It must be seen to be believed, but it's a film that's impossible to forget.

As previously mentioned, Haneke is perfectly at home with this material. He guides the viewer through this story with ambiguous scenes, moments in the lives of these characters, which will make the end even more effective. Why does this family want to leave its home? Haneke puts things right in front of the viewer, but they don't make sense until the film's conclusion. While the fragmented narrative of this film might be a challenge, it is one worth accepting. Of course, if you've seen a Haneke film, you should know what you're getting. Naturalistic performances, slow pacing, shocking revelations, and thought-provoking moments are what you'll find here, as can be found in other Haneke films. Does the "true story" angle matter? It actually does, especially when the films ends. The film wouldn't be as powerful without Haneke's masterful approach to this haunting true story.

Oscar Tally: None

12 comments:

  1. Good review, Josh! Indeed tough to write about without giving away the story. The scene with the money is extremely powerful, I was laughing out loud at the absurdity of the situation.

    The heavy breathing reminded me of scenes in Bergman's Cries and Whispers (1972)

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    1. Thanks, Chris! That's a very memorable scene.

      Great observation. I didn't think of that.

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  2. A very good debut from Haneke! It is not my favorite of his, but it still packs a punch. The ending made me sick, to be honest.

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    1. It's up there for me. Probably just behind Cache and Code Unknown, but Amour is in the mix as well. Man, that ending was rough.

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  3. Wow, what an intriguing premise! I haven't seen anything by Haneke so this might be my first. I'm not that interested in seeing Amour for some reason.

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    1. There's no harm in starting with his first film, Ruth. :) Amour is one of his best films, but it doesn't have the shock value that The Seventh Continent does. If you see it, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

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    2. Oh this is his first film? I'm even more intrigued now. I don't know when I'll get around to it though.

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    3. Yay! Hope you get to see it in the near future.

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  4. I haven't seen this, and I appreciate the fact that you wrote about it in such a thoughtful, intriguing way without giving away too much. I need to check it out. :-)

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    1. Thanks! Since you liked Cache and Code Unknown, I'd highly recommend it.

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  5. Nice review. This is definitely one of the finest filmmaking debuts I've ever seen. Haneke held nothing back. Wow.

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    1. Thanks man. I agree. It's amazing on its own, but the fact that it was his first film is just as impressive.

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