CLEVELAND, Ohio — So much of the humor in Hollywood movies is based on buffoonish characters, bodily functions and sexual pranks. By contrast, the characters in the very funny yet heartfelt film “Toni Erdmann” say and do outrageous things, but the humor comes from a very real and recognizable place.
The German-Austrian comedy-drama is nominated for best foreign language film at the upcoming Academy Awards, and is definitely one to see before Oscar night on Sunday, Feb. 26.
Winfried (Peter Simonischek) has reached an age when he’s constantly reminded that life is short. He’d like to bridge the distance between him and his adult daughter, Ines (Sandra Huller), a high-powered corporate executive. Winfried jokes that he needs to hire a substitute daughter since Ines can’t be bothered with him; the inappropriate joke has a nugget of truth.
Winfried impulsively decides to travel from Germany to Romania to surprise Ines with a long visit. The two are on completely different wavelengths. She is appalled at how her scruffy and unpolished father unapologetically chats up her rich business clients. Winfried doesn’t understand Ines’ workaholic lifestyle and lack of fun.
Things get even more cringe-inducing when Winfried puts on a battered suit, goofy wig and oversized false teeth, and creates an alter ego – a life coach called Toni Erdmann. His outrageous behavior pushes Ines to loosen up, and she eventually learns to appreciate her eccentric father.
REVIEW
Toni Erdmann
Who: With Peter Simonischek and Sandra Huller. Written and directed by Maren Ade. Subtitles.
Rated: R (for strong sexual content, graphic nudity, language and brief drug use).
Running time: 162 minutes.
When: Opens Friday.
Where: Area theaters.
Grade: A
The success of “Toni Erdmann” rests on the wonderful acting of Huller and Simonischek. Huller’s thin, angular limbs carry the tension that keeps cold, unemotional Ines tightly wound up. Tall, slightly stooped Simonicheck channels Winfried’s attitude that he’s every man’s equal, and everyone needs to lighten up.
The film is the brainchild of German director Maren Ade, who directed, wrote and co-produced “Toni Erdmann.” This film has thematic echoes with Ade’s 2009’s romantic drama “Everyone Else,” another movie that found humor in two mismatched people and their frustration with each other.
“Toni Erdmann” has enjoyed its share of praise. It was the first German film in a decade to debut at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, and it won the top prize at the European Film Awards. Hollywood is already thinking about an English-language remake; Variety recently reported that Jack Nicholson, who hasn’t made a feature film since 2010, will co-star with Kristen Wiig.
What are “Toni’s” Oscar chances? The Hollywood Reporter thinks that more politically charged fare, such as Iranian writer-director Asghar Farhadi’s drama “The Salesman,” may win the category. Other nominees include Denmark’s historical film “Land of Mine” and the Australian film “Tanna,” set on a remote Pacific island.
No matter which way the Oscar vote goes, the wry father-daughter tale “Toni Erdmann” deserves a cheering section.
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