Pfau - Bin ich echt?

Writer-director Bernard Wenger’s debut feature PFAU – BIN ICH ECHT? is a brilliant character study that doubles as an elegantly biting satire of capitalist consumer society. Superbly played by Albrecht Schuch, Matthias is the star employee of a company called My Companion that specialises in finding the right person for any situation. For those who can afford it, it provides the “ideal” father, son or friend to flaunt at public events. To cut the perfect figure in any setting, Matthias must meticulously prepare for his performances but, most importantly, he has to master his emotions. Or, better yet, not feel them at all. Sensitively scrutinising every detail of human behaviour, Wenger creates a fascinating portrait of alienation, showing us how his hero gradually dissolves behind the myriad characters he embodies, eventually becoming an empty shell. Matthias’ exhilarating and accurately staged downfall is equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious. Whimsical situations, witty dialogue and a dash of black humour perfectly capture the character’s painful decline, even as Wenger’s humanistic approach inspires hope. The story ends with a glorious act of rebellion, which fills us with pure joy. (Maria Giovanna Vagenas)

In the presence of Bernhard Wenger, Albrecht Schuch, Albin Wildner and Martina Haubrich.

AUDIO DESCRIPTION FOR BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEOPLE
Audio description will be provided for the screening on Oct. 26th, 12am at Gartenbaukino. More info here.

Bernhard Wenger: AUSSTIEG RECHTS (2015, K), GLEICHGEWICHT (2015, K), JUNGWILD (2017, K), AUSTRALIA (2017, K), ENTSCHULDIGUNG, ICH SUCHE DEN TISCHTENNISRAUM UND MEINE FREUNDIN (2018, K), AUFNAHMEN EINER WETTERKAMERA (2023, K)