Writer/Director Jaschar Marktanner presents the 7 minute short film Für Elise. In this sepia toned tale art may be imitating life. Or is it? This German language drama focuses upon two young lovers. Set to the tune of Für Elise, that the piano playing man is noodling on the keyboards, the story is compact and sad.
The Story
Elise and Ludwig have, apparently spent a bit of time together in a romantic liaison. As Ludwig explains the story, or myth, behind the song, Elise reveals that life is indeed imitating art, or vice versa.
The Für Elise Cast
Marlene Fahnster is Elise.
Tobias Mosig is Ludwig.
Intimate
Marktanner, who is a perfect example of a “cottage industry” adds cinematographer and editor to this film. He is spot on here. The cast and the setting are intimate, almost to the extreme.
It works.
Lets Talk Für Elise
In short order, we are privy to this relationship’s foibles. Elise is almost too quiet. Ludwig comes across as involved in his own self importance. One senses that he may well already feel where this is going.
He relates the story of Beethoven, also a Ludwig, and the “legend” behind the music. The legend: The 40 year old composer had serious feelings for a very young student, Elise. *Or Therese Malfatti as presented by AyseDeniz Gokcin via YouTube.*
The story goes that Beethoven wrote the song for Elise only to learn that she was going to marry a nobleman. This Ludwig may well deserve a similar fate as he comes across a bit of a prig. This present day Romeo adds his own spin to the tale.
Why Für Elise Works
The film works for a number of reasons. Firstly, the decision to film in Black and White, or sepia as B/W is not really an option any more, helps the thing move along. It sets up the true reason behind the “relationship” between the two players.
Fahnster, who has worked with Marktanner before, is on top form here. Her character knows something that Mosig’s does not. Although, I firmly believe he has guessed where everything is headed. Otherwise his almost condescending air makes no real sense.
The Verdict
Für Elise is a solid 4 out of 5 star effort. Everything clicks here. Blending a mix of melancholia and predictability. I enjoyed this one, as I have all of Marktanner’s films. He manages, in a very short period of time, to have layers that impress. His shorts also leave the viewer asking questions and thinking about them afterward.
