The headline on Bruno Ganz's death in The Guardian today--
Bruno Ganz, actor who played Hitler in Downfall, dies aged 77
I read the above words and saw the accompanying photo and thought, Did some Millenial intern with only a very shallow understanding of who Ganz was write this drivel? I also wondered why the lack of love from The Graun. I mean it wasn't as if Ganz had actually been German.
Anyway, here's what I would have written replete with preferred pic:
Beloved Swiss actor, Bruno Ganz, perhaps best known for his portrayal of a conflicted angel in Wim Wender's Wings of Desire, has died.
Perhaps that's too many words for a headline, but, my God, the man was more than just a Hitler meme (Google it, btw).
Bruno Ganz was a multi-talented, multilingual, Swiss acting legend. He hailed from Seebach, Zurich. I was told, probably erroneously, that he was still living in town when I lived there. I had a weekly, volunteer gig in Seebach, so I would keep my eye out when in the area hoping to catch sight of him. I'm not ga-ga for actors, honestly, but I really dig this man's work.
I first saw Ganz in Wender's Wings of Desire back in the late 80s and was capitivated. His ability to convey great emotion through the most simple of facial expression was genius. Lovers of both film and 20th century history would do well to watch Wings of Desire. Spoiler alert: Lovers of Peter Falk's Columbo are covered as well. ;)
I then saw Ganz in an even earlier work from Wenders called The American Friend. It was based on the Ripley character from novelist Patricia Highsmith. It's a late 70s flick and shows Ganz as a reedy, young man in polyester slacks. He plays opposite Dennis Hopper. It's a trippy film and well-worth a gander.
Ganz spoke Swiss German, Italian, Standard German and English. He performed beautifully in all of these languages. We were still abroad when a fairly decent Swiss/German film production of Heidi came out in 2015. Ganz plays the grandfather. I'd also recommend the romantic-comedy Bread and Tulips. It's an Italian film from 2000 wherein Ganz plays romantic lead.
Perhaps the Ganz film that packs the most punch is Downfall. Ganz portrays Hitler during his final hours in the bunker. It's an intense, claustrophobic-feeling film that, if it didn't, should have earned Ganz an award.
Thank you. I knew far less than you about this man, and still had more appreciation than whoever wrote the tasteless headline.
ReplyDeleteHaha. Yes, Joanne. Well said.
DeleteHeadline writers? Pffft.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you for expanding my very limited knowledge.
:)
DeleteI have to admit I've never heard of him, but I'm not much of a film buff, so that's no surprise. The Guardian is normally quite a well written newspaper but I agree the choice of words and photo are not good.
ReplyDeleteI'm normally a Guardian fan. I try to never miss reading Blind Date, to be honest. But, yeah, the headline just seemed a bit lazy.
DeleteI must admit that I've only just discovered he was Swiss. The average Brit would only have seen him in Downfall, hence the headline. My German friends said he was the best Hitler they have seen on screen. Brigitta (who has a blog here) was a friend of Bruno Ganz. I was hoping to be introduced in Berlin, but not now.
ReplyDeleteToo bad not more average Brits know the work of Wim Wenders. Downfall is quite a film; his was a tremendous performance. Brigitta had quite a friend, let me tell you.
DeleteI've seen both Wings of Desire and Downfall. He was brilliant in both. RIP Bruno Ganz. I didn't know he was Swiss either.
ReplyDeleteWings of Desire was a game-changer for me. It's less about his Swissness (although I'd wager his upbringing shaped who he was both as a person and performer) and more about the man's lengthy career being reduced to that one, singular role. -just thought the headline was lazy.
DeleteThanks for your well written review...yes it wasn't like the Grauniad.. generally an even handed publication.
ReplyDeleteMove over, Peter Bradshaw! :D
DeleteAnd, thanks, Gwynneth.
Sounds like the headline writer had no idea who he was. You're probably right, it was probably left to some young newbie who didn't bother to do any research.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I mean young folk here might not know who Ganz is either, but the NYT was able to mention both Wings of Desire & Downfall in its headline re: Ganz's death. (The whole 'angel' and 'devil' constrast really is low-hanging fruit & easily plucked. Thanks, Google!)
DeleteDisappointing this actor with whom I must admit being unfamiliar was slighted in such a manner. More movies to add to my catch up” list as I do appreciate good acting.
ReplyDeleteHe was a singular talent. Happy watching!
DeleteI too read the headline in the Guardian. Ganz wasn’t English or American, so he can’t have been particularly interesting, can he?
ReplyDeleteAh, Wings of Desire, my first experience of Wim Wenders. Thanks for listing the films, I shall have to immerse myself.
You're welcome, Friko. x
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