Colors in the Dark (2010) User Reviews (2)

Ganz and the script stand out here

[Horst_In_Translation · 6/10 · 19 May 2017]

"Satte Farben vor Schwarz" or "Colors in the Dark" is a German movie from 2010 written and directed by Sophie Heldman and actually it is her most recent work despite seven years having passed by already and this makes me a bit sad as I think she did a fine job here, especially with the screenplay. But first things first: The cast includes Bruno Ganz and Senta Berger while the younger characters (i.e. their children) are played by the likes of Barnaby Metschurat and Leonie Benesch and I must say with the exception of Berger I like them all. I never saw much range in Berger admittedly and while she has good moments in here too, this film does not change my opinion at all. But luckily Benesch is really good and I started liking her on "Das weiße Band" already. Metschurat still should at least be as famous here in Germany as he was 10 years ago. And then there is Bruno Ganz and there is no need to say anything about him. He is not only among the very best from his age group when it comes to Germany or Europe even, but the whole world probably. And what is even better is that he has great material to work with in this film and he plays a dying man and he also makes all the other actors stronger too. I personally especially enjoyed the scenes with his children, even if the Abiball sequences were pretty nice too.

There is nothing in here that I really did not like and while I also would say that the film probably never reached any real greatness it was still a convincing watch from start to finish. It runs for 80 minutes (not counting credits), so it is not a long movie by any means, but that's not a problem at all as it speaks for the film's great focus. So yeah, this one is definitely criminally underseen looking at the quantity of votes here on IMDb and I am pretty sure it also had no great audience numbers at theaters back then. A bit of a shame. I also think young audiences should watch this even if the subject may sound pretty unappealing to them, but the earlier you deal with the subject of aging in your life the easier will it be to cope with your own mortality and also with the mortality of your close ones. I hope by now you are convinced that you want to see this one. The ending is pretty bold and powerful and takes the film again on another level and this was probably when Berger's acting was on her best in this entire movie. So in case Heldman ever reads this review, then I want to say it's high times she makes another film because I was genuinely impressed by this one here, especially with all the great subtleties we get to see. It's also worth seeing more than once. Don't miss out.

Love pact

[jotix100 · 8/10 · 8 February 2012]

As the story begins, we are taken to the bedroom of Fred and Anita, a couple of a certain age, comfortably set for what appears to be a happy retirement. Not all is all right. We witness as Fred gives himself what we took for an insulin shot in his stomach. The couple go about their day in different activities. Fred tells Anita he will go to his office, and Anita has some shopping planned.

Little prepares Anita for what she is about to see in town. Coming out of a store, she sees Fred pass her by, carrying a box that could be a minor appliance. She follows him to an apartment building. Going to the last floor that shows in the floor indicator, Anita is horrified. She finds Fred in the empty place. Anita feels betrayed. Could he be having an affair with another woman? She disappears without hearing Fred's explanation as to his presence in the apartment.

Later, at home, Fred arrives, but Anita is visibly upset by the new development. Their son Patrick has arrived. His older sister is getting married. Patrick notices the tension in the atmosphere of the house. It does not take long for him to learn the real problem: Fred is facing a health issue that is evidently hanging over him and Anita. The prostrate tumor is hard to operate. He figures at his age chances are for the tumor to develop at a slower pace. The parents ask not to reveal the secret.

The wedding takes place in a country church. For all appearances all is fine between Fred and Anita. Caroline and Mathis arrive with Yvonne and Patrick. Finally the truth is told, ending the small celebration. Anita has decided to enter a senior residence that caters to the wealthy. She has probably set her eyes into a life without Fred. She cannot face going living without him. Fred feels dejected by Anita's actions, so he goes to see her to convince her to come home, something she does on her own, after a few days in the residence. Fred and Anita come to an understanding. We watch them preparing for what appears to be a night in town, which does not give us a clue as to their joint decision.

We were quite surprised when this film showed up, unexpectedly, on a cable channel. Not having a clue as to what it was about, but noticing the great Bruno Ganz and Senta Berger were on it, we decided to take a chance, that really paid off. The film was directed with sure hand by Sophie Heldman, who co-wrote the screenplay with Felix Zu Knyphausen. The subject matter is treated with maturity as well as dignity. There is something about Anita and Fred that goes beyond the love they have felt for one another for what appears to be forever. There is anger in Anita's reaction in finding out what were Fred's intentions for getting the apartment without consulting her. Eventually, the couple is reconciled. The bond between them is unbreakable. Anita cannot conceive a life without Fred.

Bruno Ganz is a solid actor that has given his admirers many hours of joy at the movies. He does not disappoint in this tale of love during a crucial point of his life. Mr. Ganz makes us believe he is none other than Fred, the man who feels he much rather live with the thread to his health and face it as courageously as he can. Senta Berger has enjoyed a long career. Unfortunately, a lot of her work has been seen on television. Ms. Berger projects an aura of beauty, elegance and intelligence in the way she approaches Anita.

Sophie Heldman was making her debut in a full length film that is a credit to her talent. "Colors in the Dark" is a fine piece of film making by Ms. Heldman. She gets the best out of the two principals as well as giving the picture an excellent and refined touch. We look forward to her next projects with anticipation, wishing her well in whatever she decides to do.