By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.5 cats
Director: Yves Montmayeur
Original language title: Michael Haneke - Porträt eines Film-Handwerkers
Country: austria, france
Year: 2013
Running time: 92
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2673724/combined
Bruce says: “Michael Haneke does not like to discuss his personal life – he prefers to concentrate on the man behind the camera. Those wishes are granted by director Yves Montmayeur. It is likely those wishes were conditional in making MICHAEL H – PROFESSION: DIRECTOR. Haneke states ‘I don’t want to answer questions that interpret myself.’ He is very willing to discuss technique, his stylistic choices and experiences with actors who categorically he holds in the highest regard. ‘I consider myself a craftsman,’ he says. Haneke is a self-proclaimed control freak. Unlike many other directors he becomes involved in every aspect of filmmaking. Montmayeur claims, ‘There are personal details in all his films but you need to be a detective to find them.’ The film certainly documents Haneke’s obsession for being honest and approaching truth, however unpleasant.
“Haneke’s roots are in theatre. He believes Chekhov is the best and most complex text for theatre. In acting class Chekhov’s
plays reveal the strengths and weaknesses of students. Actors respond to Haneke well because he respects them but because he knows how to create meaningful ambiance and set realistic boundaries between directing and acting. For example, knowing that stage actors like long scenes so feelings can develop, makes Haneke adaptable.
“Isabelle Huppert, Juliette Binoche, Béatrice Dalle, Emanuelle Riva, Jean-Louis Trintignant all contribute interviews that uniformly praise the master. Director Montmayeur and Haneke are life-long friends. Twenty years ago Montmayeur asked if he could film on set. As a result Montmayeur has amassed footage from the sets of all of Haneke’s films except the remake of FUNNY GAMES. Clips from that film are not included because rights were too expensive.
“MICHAEL H – PROFESSION: DIRECTOR is strictly a film lover’s documentary. And loving Haneke films should also be a
prerequisite. Those who have not seen Haneke’s films will get little enjoyment here. When something is wrong it is often easy
to put your finger on the problem; when something is missing, the problem is more of an enigma. I’m not sure whether the script is less than it should be or whether the film could use a better editor. The results of Montmayeur’s efforts have less impact than they should. Haneke is the definitely the star – his quiet intelligence and love of his profession come shining
through. 3.5 cats
“(MICHAEL H – PROFESSION: DIRECTOR screened at the 2013 Tribeca film festival.)”