TRIBECA REVIEW: ‘Democratic Locations (German Version)’

Democratic Locations (German Version) is a clever experiment that only works intermittently. Modern-day footage of important landmarks in Germany are juxtaposed with archival audio of mass uprisings. Together, the images and accompanying sounds are meant to show us the connection that our present will forever have with our past. Director Tom Kutschker has an interesting idea, but it loses steam across its 6-minute duration. The images never take on the proper historical presence, and there’s not much emotion achieved.

In some ways, the film is reminiscent of the work of Bill Morrisson, the celebrated director who makes beautiful narratives out of found footage. Democratic Locations attempts to find similar excellence, but the experimental results feel too experimental. These images and sounds need to be coupled with something larger, perhaps some context. Otherwise, it’s just photographs placed with shouting.

The one attribute that’s undeniable is Kutschker’s ability to present his images in a semi-focused, almost fuzzy manner. These buildings take on a new life when captured by his lens, almost as if they were toy models. Only certain parts are clear, while the rest is sucked into blurriness. This not only trains our eye on a particular part of the image, but also reminds us, in a subtle way, of its history.

Democratic Locations (German Version) is part of the Tribeca Film Festival’s Journeys Across Cultural Landscapes series.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

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