Vivere

Vivere is a stunning multi-layered drama directed and written by Angelina Maccarone. This German-Italian film debuted in 2007 to considerable success in Europe before making its way to international audiences. The film boasts a talented cast, including renowned German actress Hannelore Elsner, Esther Zimmering, and Kim Schnitzer, each of whom brings to life the complex yet relatable characters in this narrative of self-discovery and emotional journey.

The film's narrative unfolds around three women from different generations who are placed in circumstances that are as perplexing as they are transformative. As their paths intertwine by an essential incident, these women are forced out of their comfort zones and propelled into an emotive journey of introspection, self-discovery, and liberation.

Vivere predominantly revolves around the character of Francesca (played by Esther Zimmering), a young woman with a strong desire for independence and adventure, contrasted starkly by her daily, monotonous routine as a cab driver in a small German town. Regardless of her young age, she seems tangled in the net of her tiresome life, until Christmas Eve presents her with an unexpected escape.

That Christmas Eve night, Francesca finds her younger sister Antonietta (Kim Schnitzer), an impulsive 17-year-old, in her taxi, escaping from a party gone awry. Simultaneously, Gerlinde (Hannelore Elsner), an older woman dealing with an erupting personal crisis in her life, ends up in the same taxi. Soon, the three of them embark on an unplanned and unexpected journey to Rotterdam, which lays the foundation for an exploration of uncharted emotional territories.

With the setting moving from the constrained spaces of a small German town to the more wide-ranging and vibrant city of Rotterdam, a parallel shift is witnessed in the lives of the main characters as well. The transit introduces the trio to magnificent bridges, contemporary architecture, bustling streets, and the vast expanse of clouds, hinting at limitless possibilities, an apt metaphor for their encounter with their suppressed emotions and undisclosed traumas.

Elsner's portrayal of Gerlinde is truly phenomenal. The seasoned actress successfully brings deep-rooted desperation and a raw sense of loneliness of her character to life, especially when juxtaposed with her relentless quest for love. Zimmering, as the responsible elder sister Francesca, stuns with her performance as a girl who slowly lets go of her constraints and indulges in self-exploration. Schnitzer's depiction of the young, rebellious Antonietta injects the narrative with an undercurrent of youthful energy and impetuosity.

What stands out about Maccarone's filmmaking style is her ability to elegantly and expressively use the camera to impart depth and nuanced emotions to the narrative. The extensive use of close-ups to capture the characters' expressions lends a genuine touch to their feelings. Further, the inspired use of music, largely comprising blues and jazz scores, complements the moods of the characters and moments, marking transitions in their internal landscapes.

While the film delves into the complexities of human emotions and relationships, it also foregrounds crucial social issues. One of the critical themes is the societal overview of the LGBTQ+ community as it depicts the characters' relationships and interactions without the veil of societal bias, leaving a hefty impact on the viewers.

Vivere is a movie that gives viewers plenty to think about. Its story of self-discovery is profoundly relatable and yet unique, which leaves a lasting impression. The approach to feel the texture of each character’s emotional journey, their past, present, and their evolving understanding towards defining their life's purpose, will take spectators on their emotional journey.

With its evocative narrative, the deft direction, and the engrossing performances of its lead cast, Vivere is much more than just a drama. It is a mirror held up to life, reflecting the realities, the fears, the suppressed emotions, and the dilation in accepting one's true self. It is a powerful cinematographic memento of how random incidents in life can pave the way to extraordinary journeys of personal transformation.