Colonel Redl
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Movie Reviews of Colonel Redl
Movie Review: K und K Osterreich
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a visually stunning film. The rise and fall of Col. Redl provides a fascinating portrait of a military career in the late 19th century. The tensions between Austria and the various states on a her border, principally Russia, but also Serbia would all play their part in bringing about WW1. We also see that the Empire was riddled with internal divisions and special interest groups each striving to tear the monarchy apart. There are lessons here to learn for the modern United States which suffers from many of the same internal problems.
Col. Redl represents the mosaic of peoples who formed the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. The 19th century was often dominated by a military style culture. A certain code of ethics was practiced among officers and those who strayed outside of that realm could suffer consequences. This film should be viewed as a marvalous portrait of a long gone time and place. Viewers should concern themselves less with the homosexual aspects as these are merely included as indications of the moral decay within that society. The true strength of this film is in its recreation of the Hapsburgs and the politics which surrounded them. All would lead to the eventual nighmare of WW1.
In a sense the decline of Redl as he becomes mired in the internal politics of the Empire represents the downfall of the monarchy itself. For sure Redl is a fictional character but many like him certainly exisited working within the military bureacracies of their repective countries. It was those edifices of power, backed by monarchies like the Hapsburgs which lost control of the international situation in 1914. Had the empire survived the crisis of WW1 we might see a very different world today. Highly recommeded for those seeking an in-depth and rich portrait of an historic time and place. The piture one sees of Franz Joseph and the Empire is along worth the movie. The production qaulity is supperb, as is the acting. A must see for the complex viewer who enjoys historic epics.
Movie Review: Brilliant at Every Level
Summary: 5 Stars
"Colonel Redl" bears some interesting comparisons with "Lawrence of Arabia". In both films, the central character defines himself through a military career. Both characters are gay men. Both are ultimately exploited by the military entities in which they have found some identity. "Colonel Redl" could almost be called a 'chamber Lawrence': in the film, Redl gains no experience in the field; his exploits are mainly political, something he hates, yet is quite adept at manipulating. Redl's homosexuality is made explicit, while in Lean's film Lawrence's is only hinted at. One of this film's great strengths is its convincing portrayal of conscious, yet suppressed, homosexuality in an earlier historical context. Redl's scenes with Katalin--the perceptive sister of his love object--are intelligent and convincingly acted. While a scene of Redl watching the handsome Kubinyi have sex with a prostitute, and a later scene with a lover are without ambiguity. At the same time, it must be said that homosexuality in this film is not truly a subject. It really functions to underline Redl's status as an outsider. He is part Jewish, part Catholic, part Ukrainian, part Hungarian, and gay. Within his socio-political context, there is nowhere to fit.
Klaus Maria Brandauer, in a brilliant performance, embodies the pained conflicts of Redl, while maintaining a sympathetic side of the character. This fascinating film is loaded with irony and pain at nearly every turn.
The DVD issue of "Colonel Redl" features a high-quality print of the film (there is a slight soft focus feel that is intentional); English-only removable subtitles; original trailer (don't watch it first--spoilers); 22-minute documentary interview with Istvan Szabo, featuring scenes from the 'trilogy' of which "Colonel Redl" makes up the second part, and comments from Brandauer.
Highly recommended
Movie Review: Power that Corrupts
Summary: 5 Stars
If Szabo had achieved nothing else in his career, the trilogy of master works done in the mid 1980s would stand him in a unique place in late 20th century cinema. His partnership with Brandauer was particularly fruitful. The nearest USA equivalent that comes to mind was the spate of Scorceese/De Niro films that elevated both men into popular consciousness and were able to express a novel and pertinent psychological depth. All three films are gems, but this is my favourite, most likely because of the conviction the actor evinces from his dilemna; going against his instincts as an actor. As remarked often enough, the final scene is absolutely unforgettable, so much so that when I first saw it, I could not sleep afterwards. So much so, that in rewatching the film I found most of my images had been consumed by and condensed into the final unbearable minutes. Betrayal Bigtime. In this role of betryer the arch-duke, played by Mueller-Stahl, is equally brilliant. The 'true biography' of Redl may well have been distorted in the service of the director's own issues (in much the same way as Oliver Stone played with the Kennedy tale). The archival footage of the First World War erupting after the assassination of the archduke, rings true. Though Redl's actual importance in the jigsaw of the sequence is, perhaps open to question. Marvellous film, in all respects.Movie Review: A Film of Intelligence and Subtlety
Summary: 5 Stars
The second in Istvan Szabo's loosely-linked trilogy that began with the brilliant Mephisto, and ended with the weaker Hanussen, Colonel Redl should become one of the classics of cinema.The story of the machiavellian rise of Colonel Redl and his ultimate downfall is a fascinating one, as is the meticulous depiction of central Europe in the years before the first World War. The period detail, including the recreation of the political intrigues of the Austro-Hungarian court, is impressive. The performances are outstanding, particularly that of Klaus Maria Brandauer (which should be no surprise to anyone).
For people who like intelligent movies made for grown ups, this film should not be missed.
Movie Review: an insight into cowardice.
Summary: 5 Stars
I haven't viewed this movie since I first saw it, years ago. I obviously must have regarded it highly to pay such a price for the DVD. It is an excellent study of cowardice. Brandauer was such a great actor. I wonder what happened to him.
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