Institute History
Description
Contemporary images, fresh stories, and techno sound tracks are pumping new life into German cinema. Emblematic of a changing Germany, first politically and now in its filmmaking, Gigantic is the child of the most recent collaboration of an exciting new talent pool. A name which should already be familiar is producer Tom Tykwer, who directed Run Lola Run, co-winner of last year’s World Cinema Audience Award, but it is first-time filmmaker Sebastian Schipper who solidly declares himself a talent to watch.
The premise of Gigantic is simple. Three friends in Hamburg spend their last night together. The melancholic Floyd; bigmouthed, yet sensitive, Ricco; and good-natured, honest Walter have been inseparable for years, but Floyd has come to the sudden realization it is time to leave. He yearns to see the world, make something of himself that he can never become while living in the same place and doing the same things. Since this is their final night, they conspire to do something memorable, unforgettable, and something gigantic. But what should it be?
Gigantic focuses on the fantasy of getting out as compared to the reality of staying behind. The versatile young actors’ eccentric portrayals vividly embody their fears for the future. The terrific sound track provides cohesion for the random events of the night, while the exquisite cinematography lends the film a style which defines each location with mood and emotion. Something magical is afoot when a foosball match is transformed into something both heart racing and climactic.