Nazi and Holocaust exploitation doesn't work
In that movie tragedy of Holocaust doesn't impress.
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MovieChat Forums > This Must Be the Place (2011) Discussion > Nazi and Holocaust exploitation doesn't ...
I assume English is not your first language. What are you trying to say, that the Holocaust is unimpressive or that it shouldn't be used in a movie as part of the plot? Or is it something else entirely?
Author of The DANNY Quadrilogy, and all-around genius.
It shouldn't be used as part of the plot - that's what I mean
shareWhy not?
Author of The DANNY Quadrilogy, and all-around genius.
Agree with OP. The juxtaposition is awkward and doesn't work. No place for the holocaust in a movie which positions itself as a quirky comedy. (Though the Coen brothers could probably pull it off.)
On the contrary I thought it was a great idea and it makes the final scene such a relief.
shareWhy can't the Holocaust be in a "quirky movie"? The Holocaust is a real event. You might as well say trees shouldn't be in a quirky movie. What, exactly prohibits The Holocaust being there?
Author of The DANNY Quadrilogy, and all-around genius.
Well, there's no law against it, but it's a tricky one. There's little humour to be found in the holocaust. Sorentino doesn't resolve the dichotomy. IMHO.
shareSo you didn't find it funny, that still doesn't mean it is morally wrong, nor does it justify it being classed as "exploitation". I don't find Adam Sandler funny 75% of the time, but I don't feel his jokes are morally wrong or exploitative because they are often tasteless and crass.
Author of The DANNY Quadrilogy, and all-around genius.
But this film transcends comedy, there are several dramatic moments, several very touching. The holocaust is not played for laughs. It would be wholly inappropriate to use it in a slapstick or frat movie but here it has a place. The best films tread a strong path between laughs and pathos and this is one that does. Thus there is no dichotomy here, just a carefully, skilfully woven mix.
shareAs a daughter of survivors, I just may go see this after reading all the comments.
I am sick of sentimentalization of the Holcoaust and this sounds like, in the words of Monty Python, like something completely different.
I would appreciate hearing comments from other 2nd generation people on it.
The juxtaposition is supposed to be awkward. It may seem that Cheyenne has little enthusiasm for anything, including his father, but he does have hidden depths and a caring side (the woman he visits, the girl and boy he tries to get together, his wife). Look how every day he plays handball with great physicality in the empty pool yet he has no idea why the pool was never filled with water.
So it is not surprising that he starts to question his relationship with his father and take interest in his fathers life.
Quirky people are also affected by the holocaust and can also be serious (which is one of the points of tyhe film) - hence the comparison of the very straight and serious Nazi hunter who (like everyone else who doesn't know him) mocks Cheyenne and thinks him ineffectual.
It is indeed Cheyenne's quirkiness that resolves the situation: does the German deserve to die for his crime? Cheyenne humiliates him and the Nazi hunter, too, is satisfied.
I think you were expecting a comedy Hollywood style (the clue is that point towards the Coen brothers as the only sort who could pull it off), but there are other types of comedy. Try looking a few European for a change. See how seriousness and comedy coexist.
The movie is quirky but it's not strictly a comedy. There are some very dark themes in it having to do with the Holocaust, as well as suicide and loss.
"And all the pieces matter" (The Wire)
I agree. This theme was absolutely out of the place in this particular film. It wasn´t coherent with the main protagonist. I wish there was some more personal plot revealing more about his personality.
Wasted potential.
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If the suicide of a teenager can form part of the plot in a quirky comedy, why not the Holocaust?
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