OBSERVER: Hysteria
The thought-provoking political thriller Hysteria is the centrepiece movie for the German Film Festival, presented by Palace Cinemas in Melbourne from May 2-21.
Written and directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, Hysteria takes moviegoers on an unnerving journey of psychological twists and turns.
Set in modern-day Germany, a film company replicates the historical burning of a home where members of a Turkish family died after an arson attack by Germans.
The crew includes protagonist Elif (Devrim Lingnau), a young, diligent intern working as second assistant.
Filmmaker Yigit (Serkan Kaya) has invited migrants from a Refugee Centre to be extras – Said (Mehdi Meskar), Majid (Nazmi Kirik) and Mustafa (Aziz Çapkurt) – and to clear the debris. All goes well until a burnt copy of the Quran is discovered on the charred set.
The burning of the Quran disrupts dynamics between crew and extras, triggering an explosion of varying perspectives – a racist attack against Islam – burning the sacred text is liberating – or, it was accidental.
Producer Lilith (Nicolette Krebitz) asks Elif to defuse the situation by looking after the refugee extras and the film cassettes.
Here, the psychological torment begins for Elif. Lost keys, a stranger has her address and keys, the cassettes disappear, and her computer spy-cam detects a night intruder.
Director Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay effectively uses ominous-toned music, shadows and dark figures to heighten tension. Lingnau’s (Elif) minimal facial expression, whether happy or terrified, enhances the dramatic effect.
Adding another tier to the suspicion of the missing items and who reported the burnt Quran, is flirtation between Elif and refugee Said and suggested affair between Lilith and refugee Mustafa.
The film is said to navigate the tension of art, faith and cultural differences which it does, but some matters remain unresolved.
Artistically, the photography is splendid, as is the naturalistic acting. Narrative-wise, I recommend you see Hysteria to draw your own conclusion.
Visit www.palacecinemas.com for screening times.
Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Devrim Lingnau (Elif) in Hysteria.