Frantz: A Touching Arthouse Anti-War Melodrama
“Frantz” is a poignant and visually stunning arthouse film that delves into the aftermath of World War I. It tells the story of a French soldier grappling with guilt and seeking redemption in the most unexpected of places.
The Premise
Set shortly after the Great War, the film opens with a young Frenchman, Adrien (Pierre Niney), arriving in a small German town. He visits the grave of Franz, a German soldier, leaving flowers in remembrance. He introduces himself to Franz’s family, claiming to have been a friend of Franz during his time studying in Paris. Adrien doesn’t shy away from the fact that he fought and killed Germans during the war. Surprisingly, Franz’s parents and his fiancée, Anna (Paula Beer), embrace Adrien, captivated by his stories of their lost loved one. However, they are unaware that Adrien’s knowledge of Franz stems from letters he found on the body of the German soldier he killed.
.jpg “Paula Beer won the Marcello Mastroianni Award for Best Young Actress at the Venice Film Festival”)
A Remake with a Twist
“Frantz” is a remake of Ernst Lubitsch’s 1932 anti-war melodrama, “Broken Lullaby.” Director François Ozon pays homage to pre-war cinema by filming “Frantz” primarily in black and white. Color emerges only during moments of cherished memories or when the characters find fleeting respite from their emotional pain. Even in these moments, the film retains a vintage aesthetic.
Exploring Themes of Guilt, Reconciliation, and “Beneficial Lies”
Ozon’s decision to revisit a European anti-war drama is particularly relevant in today’s socio-political climate. With rising nationalism in Europe, “Frantz” serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked animosity. Furthermore, the film explores the theme of “beneficial lies.” Adrien initially fabricates stories for Franz’s family, and later, Anna, aware of the truth, perpetuates the illusion to protect Franz’s grieving parents.
.jpg “Lionel Barrymore, Drew Barrymore’s great-uncle, played the father of the deceased soldier in ‘Broken Lullaby’”)
A More Mature and Open-Ended Adaptation
While “Broken Lullaby” offered a somewhat saccharine Hollywood ending, “Frantz” presents a more somber and “adult” perspective with an ambiguous conclusion. Ozon expands upon the original by including Anna’s journey to France, which allows him to explore the complexities of post-war life and draw unsettling parallels between the sentiments in Germany and France at the time.
.jpg)
A Character-Driven Melodrama
At its core, “Frantz” is a touching melodrama set against a backdrop of depression and guilt. It’s an intimate story of profound and intricate emotions, brought to life by compelling performances. The film unfolds at a deliberate pace, allowing viewers to become fully immersed in its world.
.jpg)
Minor Shortcomings
However, “Frantz” isn’t without its flaws. The idealized scenes between Adrien and Franz sometimes resemble a romantic relationship rather than a platonic friendship. This ambiguity feels somewhat out of place and could have been either fully explored or omitted entirely.
.jpg)
Final Verdict
Overall, “Frantz” is an intelligent and emotionally resonant film that favors subtlety and unspoken feelings over grand gestures. If you appreciate character-driven dramas that explore complex themes with nuance and sensitivity, then this film is definitely worth watching.