The White Ribbon

Black and white. Bizarre and brutal. The latest film by Austrian auteur Michael Haneke examines how violence has become a part of the 20th century society. Pure and elaborate as a novel, the plot tackles the issue of strict upbringing and education of children and warped human relations as a consequence of bullying and violence. Actor Burghart Klausner, who at first was supposed to play the sadistic doctor but was not mean enough, so he was cast in the role of the pastor, talked about the pic and how it was to work with Haneke. He respects and admires Haneke for being an excellent observer and as a director has the ability to see far beyond the lens. He was extremely austere with the children/actors, who are actually the main protagonists, although most were not aware of the point of the film. The first screening for the cast sent the children/actors running out of the theatre in tears.   

The film ends with an air of undeterminedness and many unresolved issues, which makes it even more tense and mysterious. We invite you to see the next screening of The White Ribbon, which might provide you with some answers.

                                                                                         Barbara Spreiz

Photo: Mitja Mihelič