Based on the international bestseller by Robert Seethaler. A tender, heart-breaking story about one young man and his friendship with Sigmund Freud during the Nazi occupation of Vienna.
Based on the Robert Seethaler novel of the same name, “The Tobacconist” follows the story of a young man who befriends Sigmund Freud against the backdrop of turbulent socio-political upheaval in Austria. Director and screenwriter Nikolaus Leytner employs a formula that is currently in vogue; the placement of famous historical figures, (in this case the father of psychoanalysis) in contrast with authentic events (Hitler’s annexation of Austria).
A coming-of-age story, 17-year-old Franz (Simon Morzé) leaves his provincial village and heads to Vienna for an apprenticeship with Otto Trsnjek (Johannes Krisch), a WW I disabled veteran. Otto has a small shop where he sells tobacco products, newspapers, postcards, and an occasional erotic magazine which is discreetly wrapped behind the counter. Otto encourages Franz to read daily newspapers from which he gains an awareness of the world. Shortly, the political headlines concerning the future of Austria, become a stark reality, rudely awakening him from his naivety.
It’s at the tobacco store that Franz meets Sigmund Freud (a marvelous Bruno Ganz in his last role) where they forge a friendship in which the young man seeks advice from the famous cigar-smoking psychoanalyst. When he’s in need of the interpretation of his dreams and nightmares, he turns to Dr. Freud. When his heart is broken by Anezka (the lively Emma Drogunova), he consults with Freud. The turmoil brewing in Franz’s heart adroitly reflects the political turmoil of Austria.
As the shadow of the Third Reich looms ever closer, customers in the tobacco shop begin to mouth the words ‘Heil Hitler’ with varying degrees of enthusiasm. As conditions in Vienna become intolerable for Jews, the ailing doctor emigrates with his family to London. The sight of anti-Semitic graffiti becomes the norm in the streets along with anti-Semitic jokes uttered to great applause at the cabaret where Anezka works. As Otto Trsnjek stands by his convictions in this dark time, Franz undergoes a radical change amidst his journey of self-discovery.
The three stories – love, friendship, and war – are meticulously woven into a tale that sometimes falls oddly flat. But the effort is rescued by the breathtaking cinematography of Hermann Dunzendorfer. The film opens with a violent thunderstorm sweeping over a panorama of the Alps which sets the bar high for the visual artistry to come. Vienna has never looked so picturesque bathed in sepia tones or dusted in snow. The dream sequences interspersed throughout the film are seriously stunning.
My advice? I’m certainly not Freud, but I can suggest that instead of lying on his proverbial couch, you can relax and watch “The Tobacconist” on your own comfortable sofa. No appointment necessary.
Menemsha Films will present “The Tobacconist” via a virtual cinema release, thru Kino Lorber’s Kino Marquee beginning Friday, July 10th. Part of each ticket sale will go to support the cinema of the audience member’s choosing. Please visit KinoMarquee.com or MenemshaFilms.com/Tobacconist for individual cities and virtual theaters (use Menemsha site for in-theater engagements).
*Reprinted with permission of the Texas Jewish Post.
