Review of The Good German (2006) by David M — 24 May 2010

I seriously do not understand why everyone hates this movie. I'm probably just easily entertained and impressed, but I really liked it. It's really wierd how much the film is like old Hollywood dramas.

I knew that was part of the intention, but this was far more than I ever had expected. The Good German completely mimics the style. The cinematography, the style of the sets, even the characters and dialog.

The film isn't reministant of any one piece, but of the style as a whole. I'm generally not all that fond of "classic" films, but The Good German draws from all the best and brightest elements of that era.

If nothing else, the film is fun for the sheer novelty factor. Cate Blanchett is amazing. She has got to be one of the most diverse actresses around. The story is a bit on the weak side, but it does not really detract from the rest of the film.

The sheer broody angst and atmophere makes up for it. Idk, I'm still in disbelief that I had never heard of this movie and that everyone hates it. It's stylish and intoxicating, wierd and desperate, modern but still a tribute to the cinema of days gone by.