A successful, womanizing middle-aged man decides to move out of the house he shares with his wife after she confesses to having an affair. He looks for a new place to live and ends up moving into his wife's lover's apartment as a roommate. The husband begins to take an interest in the artistic work of the lover and coaches him for a big job interview. Little does he know that the job he's helping the lover to get is within his own company... A story about strange circumstances and the limits of friendship.
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Reviews
A wealthy art director's bored wife no longer finds him as vital and exciting as when they first met and married. She informs him that she doesn't love him anymore, and has found someone new who fulfills her. Rather than screams and tantrums, or even a big fight, the husband (Julian) asks about the new lover (Stefan) and in which ways he differs from himself.He then sets out to win his wife back by, intentionally or subconsciously, turning Stefan into himself and, hopefully, in the process showing his wife that the dullness she ascribes to his engagements with work over life are, in fact, the consequences of striving to support and keep her in the manner to which she is accustomed.The majority of comment on this brilliant little film focuses on the nature of men, which is only natural given the title and the fact that it's directed by a woman. However, I believe that the film also advances a radical argument with respect to women: they inspire carefree romance in men, but also inspire the soul-eating corporate indenture that leaves men mere husks of themselves.That women are regarded as possessions and prizes is made explicit in the final sequence of the film (which is both so absurd and such genius that it would be a crime for me to ruin it) in the way Stefan and Julius resolve the conflict between them. That women are the root of this competitiveness as well as the reason why men gradually lose their luster is also argued in the readiness with which Stefan takes to Julian's suggestions and in Paula's ultimate decision.Not really groundbreaking stuff of itself, but a position almost never taken by comedies of the sexes, just another reason why this film is a true cinematic gem.
The version we tried to watch was "Men", dubbed into English. We couldn't stay the course, as the speech was so stilted and unnatural. I suspect that the German language version is much better, but we may not be able to find one here in northern New Mexico.
Some European movies seem to be better than American movies, this could be one of them. It was really funny, and it was also really European. Why? Because it´s crude, it´s cold, it´s hot, it´s strong.... And I love it!!! Maybe it´s the german humor.Two men make friends with a woman. One is her husband, and the other one is her lover. The husband finds out that his wife is having an affair, and he develops a very useful trick. It is really funny to watch them start a friendship, and sharing experiences with each other. It is a great movie. Rent it if you see it in blockbuster, or look for it on the T.V. It will be worth it....
Maybe I'll start to appreciate comedy movies after all! This German-made production actually makes a bit of common sense! The movie tells it all, involving two buddies who talk, fuss, and complain about the natural feminist state. It is not a romance like many of the U.S. comedies, but a dramatic and humorous account of the sexual revolution. The proven point is simple: nothing in the world can keep men from being addicted to the opposite sex! I'll admit that it also has one of the silliest, catchiest endings I have ever seen, not to mention the actual crew members showing up on the elevators in the final credits. To add greater sense to the movie is the fact that it was directed by a woman. Sounds like the battle of the sexes all over again! Highly recommended!