Film: Actually, the film "Rohtenburg", loosely based on the events surrounding the "Cannibal of Rotenburg" Armin Meiwes ("The Hills have Eyes II"), was supposed to be released in our theaters back in spring 2006. But then Meiwes managed to get the film banned in Germany by injunction. This ban was lifted by the Federal Court of Justice in 2009, which is why the film has now (briefly) found its way into our cinemas and now also on DVD.
Criminal psychology student Katie Armstrong (Keri Russel) has chosen a very special topic for her final thesis: the case of Oliver Hartwin (Thomas Kretschmann), who has put the whole of Germany in turmoil with a particularly gruesome crime. Hartwin had met his victim Simon Grombeck (Thomas Huber) via the internet and with his consent killed and then ate the young man. Katie travels to Hartwin's home in hopes of learning to understand how a person could be capable of such a heinous crime. The more she learns about Hartwin and his life, the deeper she delves into the killer's psyche. But none of this prepares her for what is one day leaked to her via an anonymous source...
"Rohtenburg" is, thankfully, nowhere near as lurid as its subject matter might lead one to fear. Director Weisz places a not insignificant emphasis in his story on Oliver Hartwin's childhood and adolescence, in which an imaginary friend and his relationship with his domineering mother played a major role. While the killing of Simon Grombeck is also shown, and the cannibalistic act that follows is hinted at, the real horror takes place primarily in the minds of the audience. Whether that alone is enough to justify telling this story at all costs is an open question. But at least the whole thing isn't - if you'll forgive this somewhat tasteless pun - unnecessarily cannibalized to make "Rohtenburg" a slasher in the tradition of the "SAW" and "Hostel" films. Weisz deserves credit for that.
And yet, a really good movie "Rohtenburg" didn't turn out to be. The story about Hartwin and Katie's research seem to be two completely different films, with the whole plotline about the young student proving to be completely unnecessary in the end. Here it would have been better to put the main focus on Hartwin and maybe delve a little deeper into the psyche of his victim. For this character is at least as interesting as that of the murderer, and is also superbly played by Thomas Huber, who should be particularly familiar to "Lindenstrassen" fans. Here, potential has simply been wasted, which results in "Rohtenburg" having to deal with many unnecessary lengths that keep pulling the viewer out of the actual action. It may be that this was also the director's intention, in order not to overwhelm the viewers with the gloomy atmosphere. But unfortunately, instead of relaxation only boredom sets in, which even the good actors can not make up for.
Also with the visual implementation there are some point deductions. Weisz seems especially with the flashbacks not quite for a style has not been able to decide. If the images from the killer's childhood are initially presented as if on old film footage, Weisz ends this stylistic device from one scene to the next without comprehensible reasons. This isn't really tragic or disturbing, it just shows that there was an attempt to pack too much into one film, both visually and in terms of content. Less is sometimes simply more!
At this point, however, Thomas Kretschmann's performance should definitely be mentioned positively, who portrays Hartwin's disturbed psyche believably and fortunately not at all overdone. In the end, the only thing that remains is the realization that "Rohtenburg" disappoints, despite many good aspects. Whether there should have been this film at all and whether Mr. Meiwes with his injunction has not perhaps even done the German moviegoers a favor, everyone must decide for themselves. Either way, as a psychogram of a murderer and his no less disturbed victim, the film certainly has potential and very haunting moments. Unfortunately, this potential was given away in favor of the unnecessary subplot. Therefore, applies: from a purely technical point of view with deductions just worth seeing.
Picture + Sound: Since the final product was not available for testing, no information can be given about the technical aspect of the DVD.
Extras: Also the bonus material can not be judged. Offered are interested viewers B-roll footage and an interview with lead actor Thomas Kretschmann.
Conclusion: "Rohtenburg" has good beginnings, but disappoints on balance, not least because of the unnecessary subplot.
Directed by: Martin Weisz
Length: approx. 88 min.
FSK: No Youth Rating
Number of Discs: 1
Languages: German, English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles: German
Image Format: 16:9 (1.77:1)
Extras. B-Roll, Interview
Country code: 2
Label: Universum Film
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