- Director : Reinhard Hauff
- Actors : Bruno Ganz, Angela Winkler, Heinz Hoenig
- Studio : Cohen Media Group
- MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated)
- Number of discs : 1
- Media Format : Anamorphic
- Run time : 1 hour and 54 minutes
- Release date : November 29, 2022
Part political thriller and part character-driven
drama, the 1978 German film A Knife in the Head is difficult to pin
down. It doesn’t adhere to a traditional narrative structure and the film’s themes
are directly tied to a specific time and place. For those familiar with the politics
and history of the country during this period, A Knife in the Head may
be easier to understand, but there is also an ambiguity to the plot that may be
off-putting for some. Even though I appreciated dissecting and analyzing the
film, the lack of resolution made the viewing experience slightly unfulfilling.
When a biogeneticist
named Berthold Hoffmann (Bruno Ganz) is caught in the middle of police raid
while trying to visit his wife Ann (Angela Winkler) at the left-wing social
center she runs. After he is shot in the head by a police officer, Ganz is left
with brain damage and a long road to recovery. This condition reveals the
issues with his marriage and Ann’s involvement with a revolutionary named Volker
(Heinz Hoenig), and he also becomes entangled in an effort by the police and
media to paint him as a possible terrorist.
Whether there is truth behind these
claims or if it is merely a story created to cover up mistakes made by the
police is kept somewhat ambiguous at first, especially since Hoffman is
initially unable to defend himself. The journey Hoffman takes to recovery
coincides with his efforts to discover what happened the night of the incident,
which he has no memory after suffering brain damage. Simultaneously, Hoffman
attempts to discover the status of his relationship with Ann and whether there
is any chance of repairing their marriage.
Defying classification is what makes A
Knife in the Head an interesting view. There is drama, suspense, and even a
little bit of humor. It is somewhat of a puzzle, and not just because there is
a mystery at the center of the narrative. At the same time, it is atypical in the
presentation of all these elements, and especially the resolution. This may be
challenging for those looking for a more traditional narrative structure.
The Blu-ray
release contains a high-definition presentation of a new 4K restoration of the
film. In additional to the polished new home entertainment presentation of the
film, the disc comes with interviews with the filmmakers in the special
features. There is an interview with director Reinhard Hauff, as well as one
with executive producer Eberhard Junkersdorf. Trailers for the film are also
included in the extras.
Entertainment Value:
6/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 6/10
Special Features: 5/10
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