The last years of Heinrich George's life are reconstructed with documentary footage and play scenes. His son Götz, named after Heinrich's favorite role of the peasant war hero from Goethe's play "Götz von Berlichingen", plays scenes from his father's life and allows his enormous creative power to shine through. Nothing is left out, nothing glossed over in this story of a man with many facets. Götz George, one of Germany's best-known actors, is at the center of this homage, which is also a reappraisal of the contradictions in his father's life. As the only follower from the acting profession, Heinrich George had to pay with his life. He was not officially rehabilitated until 1998.
Acting
Götz George channeling his father's ego and ruin.
Direction
Blurring documentary and staged reenactment deliberately.
Writing
Refusing easy redemption for a beloved monster.
Director
Joachim Lang
Götz George
Heinrich George / Himself
Muriel Baumeister
Berta Drews
Samuel Finzi
Oberleutnant Bibler
Martin Wuttke
Joseph Goebbels
Burghart Klaußner
Helmut Maurer
Leonie Benesch
Margot Hanke
Thomas Thieme
Paul Wegener
Hanns Zischler
Max Beckmann
Rike Schmid
Anneliese Uhlig
Rolf Kanies
Ernst Stahl-Nachbaur
Monika Gossmann
Maria
Robert Dölle
Erich Konstantin
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Heinrich George was the only actor convicted by East German courts; most artists fled west.
The film sparked debate about whether German cinema still protects its 'great men' from scrutiny.
DE
