Unveiling a Cinematic Masterpiece: Sound of Falling
It’s not every day that you encounter a film that challenges your perceptions and redefines the cinematic experience. Mascha Schilinski’s latest creation, Sound of Falling (In Die Sonne Schauen), is a mesmerizing tapestry that interweaves the lives of four young women, crafting a bold tone poem that traverses various historical epochs. As the film transports you through time, it intricately explores themes of womanhood and rural existence, leaving viewers captivated and reflective.
A Genre-Defying Experience
Drawing comparisons to Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life, Sound of Falling feels like a creative fusion of Jane Campion and Michael Haneke, shifting effortlessly between poignant coming-of-age moments and dark episodes of human cruelty. At 2 hours and 30 minutes, this arthouse gem dares viewers to be patient, rewarding those who embrace its unconventional structure with a profound exploration of the human condition.
The Bottom Line
“A bewitching female-driven drama through the ages.”
Venue: Cannes Film Festival (Competition)
Cast: Hanna Heckt, Lena Urzendowsky, Laeni Geiseler, Susanne Wuest, Luise Heyer, Lea Drina, Florian Geisselmann, Greta Krämer
Director: Mascha Schilinski
Screenwriters: Mascha Schilinski, Louise Peter
Duration: 2 hours 29 minutes
Fragmented Yet Cohesive: The Narrative Structure
Co-written with Louise Peter, the film employs a collage-like structure, narrating four distinct yet interconnected stories through fragments that resemble snapshots. Spanning from the early 20th century to present-day challenges, Sound of Falling remains anchored in a majestic farmhouse, venturing only slightly into the surrounding fields and a picturesque river that once marked the divide between East and West Germany.
Cinematographer Fabian Gamper employs the classic 1:1.33 format, allowing the camera to glide through the house like a silent observer, capturing fleeting moments of joy and heartbreak. Edited by Evelyn Rack, the film constructs a rich tapestry of experiences, where past sorrows echo in the present.
Characters in Flux: Shared Histories
As the narrative unfolds, we follow four girls—Alma, Erika, Angelika, and Lenka—across different eras, united by a shared history laden with both blessings and curses. Their stories dive deep into trauma, encapsulating the complex realities faced by women throughout generations.
- Alma (Hanna Heckt) discovers the shadows of familial loss.
- Erika (Lea Drinda) navigates a post-war world teetering on the edge of darkness.
- Angelika (Lena Urzendowsky) grapples with burgeoning sexuality amidst societal constraints.
- Lenka (Laeni Geiseler) seeks solace after losing her mother.
Schilinski deftly intertwines their lives, showcasing how history reverberates through time, manifesting not only in events but also in gestures and emotions.
A Symphonic Storytelling
Though the film’s non-linear approach might mystify some viewers, it paints an incisive portrait of resilience where beauty coexists with suffering. Moments of horror and self-discovery emerge side by side, revealed through Schilinski’s lens with haunting clarity.
From the eerie childhood obsessions that haunt Alma to Erika’s unsettling attraction to her Uncle Fritz, each tale probes the emotional depths of rural womanhood. Later, Angelika and Lenka’s narratives, while seemingly lighter, reveal their struggles in an evolving society.
Visual Poetry Across the Ages
Schilinski masterfully connects these disparate tales through visual metaphors and symbolism, often depicting scenes from unique perspectives—through windows, doorways, and keyholes. With its grand scope and attention to detail, the film evokes the weight of a 19th-century agrarian novel while embracing a modern, stream-of-consciousness storytelling style, reminiscent of Virginia Woolf weaving through the fabric of Thomas Hardy’s world.
A New Wave of Feminine Cinema
Sound of Falling presents a unique storytelling form, eschewing traditional plotlines in favor of momentary sensations, emotions, and imagery that collectively shape a broader narrative. It invites viewers into a world where women confront untold obstacles—societal repression, personal loss, and deep-seated trauma—yet evolve into agents of their own destinies.
Schilinski’s vision transcends mere entertainment; it offers a heartfelt testament to resilience, joy, and the ever-unfurling struggle for autonomy. The film concludes not with resolution but with a powerful reminder of the persistent spirit of young women who carry their ancestors’ stories, forever pushing towards a brighter future.
Explore More
For more insights into innovative cinema, check out The Criterion Collection for curated selections that challenge and inspire.
