SCHLAFENDE
HUNDE (Sleeping Dogs) by Michael O'Connor,
Germany- 4/5/11
This German feature was beautifully acted and beautifully filmed in
Black & White. The main character, Jim, is somewhat clairvoyant
and sees a vision of his death. His past premonitions have come
true which makes him believe all of his current visions will come
true. So he concerns himself with reconciling with his estranged son
who harbors much resentment for his father's abandonment.
Billed as psychological thriller, I thought it was stronger as a
exploration of an estranged father and son working towards
reconciliation. And it also serves as a mystery because we wonder
how Jim's murder will come about. I think the thriller aspect of
the story was just a device to reconcile the father and son. It was
a little slow for me thinking that it was a thriller, as European
films are not as sensationalistic as U.S. films. Although there is
a bit of bloody violence. Hans-Christoph Michel was especially
convincing as a revengeful associate from Jim's past. Those who
like a bit of mystery and appreciate a good family reconciliation
story, but don't care for an intense thriller, this is for you.
