Listening to Secrets

The Lives of Others is a German movie with a very straight forward cinematic approach.

The Lives of Others traces the life of Captain Gerd Wiesler, a highly skilled officer who works for the Stasi, East Germany's all-powerful secret police. It is a story set in the world where there is no justice! To be more specific, East Germany in 1984. The film shares two genres, namely that of a political thriller and the other of human drama. It should be added that at both these levels The Lives of Others almost sets a perfect example.
The tense and tight atmosphere of the plot is transfered beautifully to the screen. Ulrich Muhe as Wiesler is top class. His face communicates with such ease that watching him alone would serve half the success of these Lives. It is good to note that the director and writer, Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, even chose the perfect extras for his film.
The basic colours of the film are mostly green, grey or brown. The director and production designer's idea of avoiding blue and red has helped to capture the essence of the GDR.
Don't watch the Lives of Others to enjoy it's brilliant craft, visuals or construction of the period. But watch it for the skillful treatment of a very cautionary subject.

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