Toni Erdmann (2016)

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ½

Toni Erdmann (2016) – M. Ade

Director Maren Ade says she was inspired by comedian Andy Kauffman (and, in particular, his commitment to his alter-ego, Tony Clifton) as well as her own father who had a similar sense of humour, apparently the kind that willingly creates awkwardness and discomfort in others.  This film is not really a comedy but there are plenty of funny (awkward) moments.  The plot sees management consultant Ines (Sandra Hüller), currently posted to Bucharest, Romania, spontaneously visited by her father (Peter Simonischek).  The visit does not go well.  Suddenly and mysteriously, her father reappears as Toni Erdmann, in a bad wig and false teeth, boldly and comically inserting himself into her life.  It’s enough to say that his goal is probably to loosen her up, after he’s seen her stiff, unsatisfying, “all work” lifestyle.  This brief synopsis can’t really do justice to the film, however; it takes its own sweet time (162 minutes) to develop the characters (apparently after months of rehearsal and up to 20 takes per shot).  We see them in an array of situations (some truly uncomfortable or unbearable, some extremely touching) and gradually come to feel empathy for all involved.  Although the family relationships are centre stage, Ade also has a few thoughts about the capitalist imperative to turn a profit at all costs, implicitly suggesting that Ines’s job has made her less human.  Fortunately, Toni arrives in time to throw her off balance and to remind her (and us) about how to live life and what really matters.  Sounds sappy, but it’s not and this is an unpredictable script/movie, if ever there was one.  Highly recommended!