Two people at a turning point in their lives attempt to figure out where their relationship is going through a discussion on Beethoven's famous piece of music; Für Elise.
Perspective is a word that springs to mind when it comes to Jaschar Marktanner's fascinating short film, Für Elise. More importantly, how perspectives may differ from one person to the next. Watching Tobias Mosig's 'Ludwig' play the titular piece of music - beautifully, I might add - as he regales a mildly interested Elise (Marlene Fahnster) with what turns out to be a (spoiler alert) fictional tale behind the origins of Beethoven's famous work, is at first quite charming. Until, that is, Elise destroys it with her own, arguably more relevant perspective. The thing is, they aren't really talking about music. From the moment they appear on screen, it is clear how familiar these two are with each other, and yet it all feels very awkward. Something is clearly off, which only adds to the intrigue.
Why are they talking about music when they clearly have something more important to talk about? Marktanner leans into the idea that we fall back on the familiar, or that which makes us feel comfortable, when facing times of great difficulty. And this rather relatable scenario is brought to life in a very real way by Fahnster and Mosig. They are incredibly believable as these two people who have known each other for some time, but have seemingly grown apart. It's almost as if they growing further apart before our very eyes. The awkwardness of the morning after certainly feels genuine. While watching the pair attempt to avoid an awkward conversation by talking about something else, but still somehow talking about what they're trying to avoid, falls somewhere between amusing and infuriating.
Für Elise may only be seven minutes long, but it is more than a little easy to get drawn into the lives of Elise and Ludwig. Just enough, anyway, that it can be frustrating to watch them beat around the bush. It's also long enough for it to be crushing when they finally stop. What has happened to them? Why are they not as close as they used to be, but still drawn to each other? Marktanner and his two stars have you wondering all this and more. Even with that crushing ending, Für Elise is one of those films that sticks with you. Leaving you wondering what this all means for them. Bringing us back to the idea of perspective, and the fact that these two people are in very different places. It's almost infuriating that this mere snapshot doesn't give you more answers, and yet that is exactly why Für Elise feels so genuinely real, because we are only with them for this one moment.
A fascinating short film that offers a window into the lives of two people as they reach a turning point. All of which feels so very real, thanks to some brilliant writing, and two incredibly genuine performances.
8/10
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