Lichtspiel

Kehlmann at it again, masterfully weaving a big story, building it from the bottom up, patiently giving us the hints that then will pay off in the end. And constantly upping the unease that comes with the main premise: what are artists willing to do in order to accomplish their visions. Famous film director G.W. Pabst (he comes fourth, after Lang, Murnau and Lubitsch!) leaves pre-WWII Europe, only to fail at his first gig in Hollywood. Pride and despair drive him back to Austria, where he and his family get stuck when the borders are closed. Despite privately opposing the Nazis and all they stand for, he is pressured into making movies for them. Like [b:Tyll 36130507 Tyll Daniel Kehlmann https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503797313l/36130507.SY75.jpg 57727239] Lichtspiel is full of historical facts and characters, the basic outlines factually correct, with lots of fictional interpretations in the details. I find it very enjoyable in this perfect sweet spot where I recognise a little but not all about the actual history. Feels ideal for going on this black and white journey, of cinematic expressionist scenes, with editing effects that make you question what actually happened. Will have to go search out Schloss Fünfturm on my next visit to Austria.