Movie spotlight
Tunguska – Die Kisten sind da
An early declaration of war on narrative cinema, using a barrage of visual and acoustic elements while at the same time juggling ironically - as he still does - with the term 'avant-garde'. A number of other preferences and obsessions were evident at an early stage, e.g. the mind-numbing habit of having his people stumbling and screaming around: life as a race track. His films likewise feature a lot of theatrical and cryptic outpourings. No wonder that they failed at the box office. No wonder either, however, that Schlingensief was attracted to theatre.
Insights
Plot Summary
In a small Bavarian village, a group of young men discover mysterious wooden crates that have fallen from the sky. Their attempts to investigate the origins and contents of these crates lead to a series of bizarre and comedic events, involving aliens, secret agents, and the general chaos that ensues when the extraordinary intrudes upon the mundane. The film plays with expectations and is known for its surreal humor.
Critical Reception
Tunguska – Die Kisten sind da was a cult film in Germany, particularly among fans of its lead actors, who were popular comedians. It received mixed reviews, with some appreciating its quirky, experimental, and humorous approach, while others found it too absurd or disjointed. Its sci-fi elements were generally seen as a vehicle for comedic situations rather than serious narrative.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its unique, surreal humor and the chemistry of its comedic leads.
Criticized for its sometimes chaotic and nonsensical plot.
Seen as a cult classic for its distinctive, genre-bending style.
Google audience: Audience reviews often highlight the film's originality and its effectiveness as a comedy, especially for those who enjoy offbeat humor and the performances of its stars. Some viewers found the plot difficult to follow, but many appreciated its cult status and memorable comedic moments.
Fun Fact
The film is known for its experimental nature and was made by then-emerging director Wolfgang Becker, who later achieved greater fame with 'Good Bye, Lenin!'.
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