It’s a
well-known fact that humans are social creatures. We thrive on being able to
communicate with others and be surrounded by people. We’ve also built up walls
for ourselves, living outside the natural world and into our own. So it’s
always interesting when a movie comes along and explores solitude and living in
nature versus society. The Wall (Die
Wand in its native German) is such a film. It’s a chilling film that will
ultimately leave you kind of sad and thoughtful.
A day later and Gedeck
attempts to go down to the village to see why the couple has not returned only
to be blocked from continuing by a transparent wall. The wall is the only part
of the film that is slightly out of nowhere, but it efficiently traps Gedeck in
an impossible situation where she is forced to rely on herself to survive.
Martina Gedeck
plays an unnamed character who becomes imprisoned in the mountains of Austria
after she finds an almost thick glass-like wall surrounding the area. What is
supposed to be a visit to a hunter’s cabin with an elderly couple turns into a
nightmare. After making it up to the cabin, the couple head back to the village
to get something and Gedeck, with the couple’s dog Lynx, are left behind.
A day later and Gedeck
attempts to go down to the village to see why the couple has not returned only
to be blocked from continuing by a transparent wall. The wall is the only part
of the film that is slightly out of nowhere, but it efficiently traps Gedeck in
an impossible situation where she is forced to rely on herself to survive.
This film is
exceptionally well-made. It’s nuanced and subtle in a way most other films are
loud and in your face. Whereas other voice overs tend to get on everyone’s
nerves because they’re usually just plain awful, The Wall uses the voice-over to tell the entire story while the
scenes are used to add to the story. There is minimal talking because Gedeck is
alone. We never even learn the name of her character.
This way of
storytelling is a bold choice and one that works out very well given the
premise. A lot of people would rather have films show, not tell, but the voice
over used to tell us what the character is thinking works extremely well in
this case given the situation. Her namelessness paints the picture of a bleak
and painful existence. It’s as if she’s lost importance because she is no
longer important to anyone.
Director Julian
Pölsler creates a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere set amongst the backdrop of
Austria’s mountains. The scenery is gorgeous, untouched by humankind, and yet
closes in on Gedeck’s character, blocking her off from her way of life.
Gedeck gives an
excellent and layered performance. We feel her fear, her depression, the steady
power of her will as she fights to keep going, and the love she has for her
animals. She carries the movie so fluidly that you become taken with her story
and ultimately wish that things could be different for her.
The Wall is a well told and riveting story. It drags
on a bit sometimes and becomes thoroughly desolate, but the commentary about
loneliness, humanity, and the shakable determination of the character are what
keeps you watching. Pölsler creates the perfect quiet and isolated atmosphere
and Gedeck really sells it. Hauntingly sad.
