The Golden Glove
Plot
The Golden Glove is a 2019 German-French crime drama film directed by Fatih Akin. The film is based on a 2014 non-fiction novel of the same name by Heinrich Leopold, a famous German journalist. Set in late 1970s Hamburg, the movie revolves around a serial killer known as the 'Rotlichtmörder,' or 'Red Light Murderer,' due to the victims' associations with Hamburg's sex and adult entertainment industry. The film's narrative centers around the life of Fritz Honka, portrayed by actor Jonas Dassler in a key supporting role, a disturbed serial killer. However, in the film adaptation, Fritz Waldheim, played by actor Tom Schilling, is actually the primary antagonist. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that Fritz is not merely a serial killer driven by madness and a penchant for violence, but a multifaceted character trapped in his own world of turmoil and deception. At a seeming loss in his personal life, Fritz develops intimacy with Frieda, portrayed by actress Hannah Schette, a young sex worker. However, they part ways following a tragic incident, leading to a deep-seated struggle within Fritz, sparking the subsequent murder spree. As Fritz's dark inclinations persist, his mental state deteriorates further, even finding similarities to some German serial killer manifestations from the past. In the early 1970s in Hamburg, Fritz is free from consequences as society indulges in apathy, the lines between guilt and redemption steadily blurring. 'The Golden Glove,' is not merely a portrayal of a serial killer, but a reflection of society and tolerance in 1970s Hamburg. The town would witness an ever-rising tide of neglect and criminal behavior. The societal facade formed by conformity amongst its residents hides the unfortunate reality and the apathy that afflicts its society, leaving remnants of their cruel nature to surface. As the truth about Fritz's identity unfolds, the police force under the vigilant eyes of Detective Schlickenrieder, portrayed by actor Manuel Chytil, and Detective Katzeburg, portrayed by actress Susanne Wuest, tries to track him down. Their investigative efforts are interspersed with a meticulous and seemingly endless search for Fritz, delving into Hamburg's nightlife to catch a glimpse of this serial killer hidden amongst its affluent citizens. This gripping tale revolves around the tangle of interwoven relationships within the Hamburg community, which is built on fragile, societal constructs and their concomitant tolerance and injustice. With an intriguing narrative that lays bare the darker aspects of Germany's post-war era, the film, directed by Akin effectively, heightens its darkness with a striking cinematographic touch that holds the audience tightly through the turmoil that the narrative unravels. 'The Golden Glove' turns out to be an eerie representation of an uncanny Hamburg gripped by serial crimes, replete with shadows of suspicion amidst swaths of beauty, the vibrant streets, and the bohemian characters in the frame that makes this an extraordinary crime drama that unerringly explores issues within humanity that have puzzled observers of human nature for centuries.
Reviews
Karen
Amidst a sea of heavy, dramatic films at Berlinale, I was desperately craving a bit of gory, violent escapism – and here it is. The film paints a hellishly depraved and dissolute 1970s, with alcoholism, prostitution, academic failure, unemployment, and murder going unheeded. Everyone just scrapes by, much like the Golden Glove pub, where the curtains are permanently drawn, blocking out the sunlight. I really appreciated the film's consistent internal tone: dirty, greasy, sickening, with just the right amount of gore and a touch of dark humor. I also liked the characterization of the Quasimodo-like, hideous protagonist. In the final long take, the blonde beauty strolls away from the crime scene, their paths never having crossed.The closing scene pointing out many details the movie shares with reality shocks you back.
Gabriella
A stellar performance from the entire cast. Hands down, the most visceral and raw crime film I've seen this year. Primal, animalistic, brutally real, and steeped in decay. A horde of walking dead controlled by alcohol in a nation that lost its faith after World War II. Akin is verging on a masterpiece with this one.
Claire
The production is actually quite refined, with top-notch costumes, makeup, props, acting, and so-called large-scale depictions that didn't feel disgusting to me, I feel like people have somewhat misunderstood Akin. The complex origins of the protagonist's personality are an excellent representation of trauma syndrome, the film includes impotence, alcoholism, violence and dismemberment. The director not only seeks, through writing a biography for this killer, to conjure up postwar trauma and nihilism, but also has the protagonist verbally cut off people's opportunity for (the victims of that era) to speak (rejecting historical reconciliation and communication). What's interesting is that the young boy broke into the era's relic slum, thinking he was witnessing a nostalgic return, but all he got was a whole load of trouble. In the final great fire, floating in ...
Parker
#69th Berlinale# Main Competition. Fatih Akin went all in this time. The unanimous keyword from film critics is "Ugly." Akin portrays this serial killer as extremely greasy and repulsive, putting a great deal of effort into recreating the (disgusting) real scenes (because it was near the director's childhood neighborhood, and one scene even appeared in the director's family documentary...) and showing the scenes of violence, abuse, and even dismemberment. The actor's performance is certainly dedicated, making him a strong contender for Best Actor. The screenplay is also meticulous. In addition to alcoholism and sexual impotence, it also restores the scene inside "The Golden Glove" bar and various other characters...
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