Vincent's mother has recently died and he wants to spread her ashes into the sea off Italy. There are a few hurdles he has to overcome to accomplish this: leave the institution in Germany his father has put him in to deal with his Tourette's Syndrome, acquire transportation and a driver (his ticks make driving dangerous), find the appropriate piece of coast for the disposal of the ashes, while all the time avoiding his pursing father and therapist. Of course, accomplishing each of these tasks just creates more problems. Vincent escapes with Marie who suffers from Anorexia Nervosa, and Alexander, reluctantly, who is an Obsessive Compulsive. Not to make light of each of their problems, their having to deal with each other in the cramped quarters of a car is cause for humor, as well as empathy. What they hardly notice as they head due south are the gorgeous Italian Alps. If the breathtaking surroundings don't make them feel better, it does the audience. The trio have got a lot on their minds -- like how to acquire gas for the car with no money, how to get along with each other, in particular with Vincent's uncontrollably cursing (which only endeared him to me, my being a New Yorker), Alexander complaining incessantly about germs and anything else, and Marie teetering on expiring from lack of food. As they progress on the quest, it seems they're not just running away from their problems, they may be driving a stolen car toward their recovery. Hopefully, these three troubled young people will make it.
Titular actor Florian David Fitz wrote the screenplay during the slow season for acting in Germany. Like with many enterprising actors such as Stallone, Damon and Affleck, writing a good and commercial screenplay can jumpstart a career. Fitz has already written and is starring in another German film, 'Jesus Loves Me,' set for release in 2012. Hopefully, this handsome, buff and talented actor/writer will make the transition to the English language for wider market. This film was portrayed empathetically and tastefully. The story moved along as if under the power of a German engineered car. The resolution was not formulaic and believable -- in a cinematic kind of way. I'd road trip with them any time.
Vincent Wants to Sea
Director: Ralf Huettner
Writer: Florian David Fitz
Cast: Florian David Fitz, Karoline Herfurth, Heino Ferch, Katharina Műller-Elmau, Johannes Allmayer
Time: 96 min.
Opening July 8 at a Landmark Theatre in San Francisco
Comments