The theme is interesting. But the "Russianness" of the production, from the actors' physiques to the very "Soviet" idealization of Berchtesgaden is enough to make you laugh. Granted, Aleksandr Sokhurov did have the main characters mouth the German dialogue allowing for proper German dubbing, but even the Berlin theater group's voices are inappropriate for the non-Berliners depicted (Adolf and Eva). Anyway, this is just a small bone to pick. The production, and slow, slow pace screamed out SOVIET louder than any of Sokhurov's previous films. This is obviously due to the its very un-Russian, un-Soviet theme. It's a ridiculously pretentious piece of filmmaking that will taint the director's body of work forever. If I hadn't been forced to sit through it (with colleagues and far from the aisle) at a film festival, I would have never sat through it. As a public service to film festival goers, please use your precious hours more wisely. Skip this boring time warp.
