Die plötzliche Einsamkeit des Konrad Steiner
Die plötzliche Einsamkeit des Konrad Steiner

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Die plötzliche Einsamkeit des Konrad Steiner

1976
Movie
102 min
German

The Zurich social welfare office sends a young worker to look after a 75 year old man thinking about suicide: His wife is suddenly paralyzed and his dwelling and work place change hands, forcing him to deal with relocating as well.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Kurt MaetzigGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

Konrad Steiner, a middle-aged factory worker, finds himself increasingly alienated from his family and society after being laid off. He struggles with feelings of uselessness and isolation, grappling with the loss of his identity tied to his work. The film depicts his solitary journey as he navigates a world that no longer seems to have a place for him, highlighting the profound impact of unemployment on an individual's sense of self.

Critical Reception

The film was a significant production from the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and was generally well-received for its realistic portrayal of social issues. It resonated with audiences by addressing the difficult realities of aging and unemployment in a socialist society, offering a poignant character study. While perhaps not widely discussed internationally, it holds a notable place in GDR cinema for its humanistic themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its sensitive and realistic depiction of an unemployed older man.

  • Commended for its emotional depth and exploration of isolation.

  • Considered a significant social drama within GDR cinema.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this film is not readily available through typical Google user review aggregations.

Fun Fact

The film was directed by Kurt Maetzig, one of the most prominent filmmakers in the GDR, known for his socially critical works.

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