Alright, ladies and gentlemen, gather ’round! Let’s dive into this week’s top entertainment flick designed to make you think—because who doesn’t love a little existential angst with their popcorn, eh? We’re taking an insightful stroll down the cinematic lane with “Until Truth,” featuring Maria Furtwängler as a neurosurgeon—a character who, let me tell you, probably makes more life-and-death decisions before breakfast than I do in a year! (Which is not saying much, considering my personal life decisions might even confuse my GPS.)
Now, I have to say, Stefanie Thyssen’s article delivers the goods on this film that tackles sensitive subjects like a seasoned journalist with a sharp pen—and no, I don’t mean slashing someone’s tires in the parking lot! We’re in serious territory, folks. Rape dramas can be heavy, and they can tread on toes pretty quickly. But “Until Truth” isn’t interested in the cliché “stranger in the bushes” narrative. Nope! Here, the drama unfolds in familiar surroundings— alongside friends, brunch mates, and possibly that one friend who always insists on "just one more drink."
As Furtwängler mentions, trust was a key ingredient in pulling off this film, which obviously makes sense. I wouldn’t want to spend hours on a set with someone I don’t trust—might as well be reciting Shakespeare’s curse under my breath! I mean, can you imagine the awkwardness? “Uh, Saralisa, could we not film the intimate scene today? Maybe let’s just take a selfie instead…”
And let’s not skip over that “intimate scene” where Furtwängler’s character gets all—shall we say—personal? In the hands of an intimacy coordinator, you know it’s going to be treated with all the delicacy of a soufflé aimed at an audience that’s expecting a volcano. The way they laid it out sounds like preparing for Olympic gymnastics: “Alright team, let’s rehearse our boundaries, and remember, no one wants to end up on YouTube!”
Seriously, though, the inclusion of an intimacy coordinator sounds like the most sensible idea since someone decided to put cheese on fries. Furtwängler and Volm make it clear—this isn’t a rushed fling; it’s a well-planned production. Gotta love modern cinema where, instead of yelling “Action!”, you get a meeting about boundaries first!
In all seriousness, "Until Truth" seems to subvert the usual narratives. And there’s something beautifully profound about portraying a self-assured woman who knows her worth and rights to her body. This film is more than just a story; it’s about breaking out of the molds that society often traps us in. Brilliant stuff! Kudos to both creators for stepping into stark and challenging territory with such grace.
So, when this film drops, buckle up. It’s bound to be a ride—one that might make you rethink your next drink order or possibly who to invite over for a movie night. Great cinema blends humor and heart. And if you walk away with a bit of discomfort, well, that just means it did its job. Remember, folks, it’s all about trust and transparency—whether you’re filming a movie or just trying to figure out why your friend has as many candles as a church. Grab the popcorn, and let’s get ready to unwrap this emotional whirlwind!
Cheers! 🍿
- Home page
- Culture
As of: November 20, 2024, 3:29 p.m
By: Stefanie Thyssen
PressSplit
In the beginning everything was good: Martina (Maria Furtwängler) and Mischa (Damian Hardung), their friends’ son. © Laewen/NDR
The ARD network features the gripping rape drama “Bis zur Truth,” with the celebrated Maria Furtwängler in a powerful lead role. We explored the intricacies of this remarkable film with Furtwängler herself, alongside Saralisa Volm, the visionary director.
To millions of viewers, Maria Furtwängler is primarily recognized for her portrayal of the sharp-witted detective Charlotte Lindholm in the longstanding series “Tatort,” a role she has expertly inhabited for over two decades. At 58, Furtwängler frequently opts for challenging film roles that push boundaries for both herself and her audience. In “Until Truth,” she embodies the character of a successful neurosurgeon whose life takes a horrific turn when she is raped by a younger man. The ARD is set to air “Bis zur Truth” on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 8:15 p.m., with a subsequent showing the following night at 12:15 a.m., also available on the ARD media library. This poignant project has been skillfully directed by Saralisa Volm, and both women shared their insights on the essential themes of trust on set, the complexities of portraying an explicit scene, and how the inclusion of intimacy coordinators helps to ease the production process.
Creating a film that candidly depicts rape necessitates profound trust between the lead actress and the director, but interestingly, Furtwängler and Volm had never collaborated prior to this endeavor. How did this partnership come to fruition?
Maria Furtwängler: My passion for this film’s story drove me to actively pursue Saralisa as our director. I was captivated by her previous work “The Forest Stands Silent,” which showcased her exceptional storytelling precision and narrative depth. Additionally, her remarkable insights in her book “The Eternal Unsufficient,” which addresses themes of sexual violence, made me confident that we could establish a seamless communication flow. I knew that with Saralisa at the helm, I could rely on her vision and instincts, as it became clear to us that a project of this nature could only thrive through unwavering trust.
Saralisa Volm: I wholeheartedly concur with Maria. It’s vital to cultivate a shared language. When she articulates her thoughts, there needs to be a mutual understanding that fosters trust and reliability. We quickly recognized that we had established that level of communication early on.
This film addresses the reality of rape occurring in seemingly secure environments, which may raise questions for viewers about why someone like the confident and assertive protagonist, Martina, finds herself in such a perilous situation.
Furtwängler: Precisely. From the onset, we aimed to craft a narrative that is unsettling because it avoids conventional depictions. We deliberately steered away from typical portrayals, such as those seen in “Case number XY,” where a woman is attacked by a stranger in an overtly aggressive manner. Our objective was to deconstruct prevalent narratives and highlight the fact that most assaults take place within social contexts—situations that we often overlook.
Ms. Volm, having experienced rape in your past and documented it in your mentioned book, did this film serve as a means for you to process your own trauma?
Volm: The material’s inception was independent of my personal experiences. The film’s concept was already in progress when I joined the project. However, my own encounters certainly influenced the methods I chose to portray the psychological aspects of the protagonist’s journey.
Notably, you depict a self-assured woman with a positive self-image and a healthy attitude towards her body and sexuality.
Furtwängler: Indeed, it was crucial for both of us to convey a narrative about a woman who possesses an active sexuality, even with a past marked by infidelity. Yet, she firmly asserts her right to have her “no” respected. This is the fundamental message.
In a particularly intimate scene, the audience witnesses Martina in a moment of self-exploration. How challenging was it for you, Ms. Furtwängler, to confront that scene?
Furtwängler: That scene certainly demanded a high level of intimacy, which was made possible by the foundational trust I had in Saralisa. I felt completely secure and understood throughout the process, especially given the vulnerability of such an exposed scene. This environment of safety was essential for achieving a profound level of performance—both literally and emotionally.
An intimacy coordinator supervised the filming process. Could you elaborate on how that role works?
Volm: The coordinator’s work begins well before shooting, as they engage in discussions about the specific scenes with the actors, the cameraman, and ultimately plan the sequence as meticulously as a stunt. I outline my expectations for the scene and ensure that the boundaries of all involved are clearly defined and documented, akin to a small contract. Following this, we conduct rehearsals, during which the intimacy coordinator assesses whether everything aligns with our intentions.
Furtwängler: This enhanced sense of security on set is incredibly beneficial. I recommend this practice to every film production.
Despite the supportive environment, would you agree that these were some of the most intense scenes of your career?
Furtwängler: While I’ve experienced my share of intense roles, I hope to continue taking on challenging parts. This project was undeniably new territory and truly exhilarating, without a doubt.
That’s what “Until the Truth” is about
What role does an intimacy coordinator play in creating safe and respectful on-screen intimate scenes?
Furtwängler: It was certainly a moment that required sensitivity and preparation. Shooting such scenes can be daunting, but having an intimacy coordinator made a significant difference. They helped establish a safe environment, allowing me to explore the character’s vulnerability authentically without losing sight of the boundaries we had set. It became a collaborative effort, where I felt fully supported both by Saralisa and the crew. it was about shedding light on intimacy and self-ownership in a way that feels genuine and not exploitative. The aim was to showcase the complexity of the character and her journey, rather than sensationalizing the moment for shock value.
Volm: Exactly, and it’s essential to depict that scene not as merely scandalous, but as a fundamental part of the character’s exploration of reclaiming her body and narrative after trauma. It’s more about empowerment than objectification. By emphasizing her autonomy, we get to challenge the narratives surrounding women’s sexuality and the misconceptions that often accompany discussions about consent and violation.
Reflecting on your collaboration, what messages do you hope viewers take away from “Until Truth”?
Furtwängler: I hope they come away with a renewed understanding of consent and the importance of respecting boundaries in all relationships. This film seeks to break down the stigma and shame surrounding these issues, reminding viewers that it can happen to anyone, regardless of their circumstances or confidence level.
Volm: Yes, and I believe it’s equally important to foster conversations around trauma and recovery. We want to encourage empathy and understanding, rather than judgment. Through open discussions, we can challenge the societal norms that often perpetuate silence.
Furtwängler: In essence, we want people to engage with the film critically, to reflect on their own perceptions and perhaps rethink how they navigate their personal relationships. It’s a call to action—both for individuals to claim their right to say “no” and for society to foster environments where such rights are respected.
Looking ahead, what do you both envision for the future of filmmaking around sensitive subjects like this?
Volm: I hope we see more filmmakers approaching difficult topics with the same sensitivity and care we aimed for with “Until Truth.” It’s vital to create narratives that promote healing and understanding while tackling uncomfortable truths.
Furtwängler: Absolutely! Let’s keep pushing for stories that empower survivors and challenge the status quo. It’s time for cinema to reflect and unravel the complexities of human behavior and relationships without fear of controversy.
As the film prepares to air, both Furtwängler and Volm embody the very spirit of modern storytelling—one that prioritizes trust, dialog, and the need for cultural shifts regarding consent and personal agency. With their combined efforts, “Until Truth” promises to be more than just a film; it’s a harbinger of change in how narratives around sensitive issues are crafted and presented.