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Totem

Totem (2012)

Jan 17, 2012 1h 26m Drama

A young woman called Fiona shows up in a city in the Ruhr area to work for the Bauer family as a housekeeper. Father, mother, daughter and son all live their own lives, co-existing without communicating. Nobody realizes that Fiona has made a decision.

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Directed by Jessica Krummacher

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Jessica Krummacher
Producer
  • Philipp Budweg
  • Martin Blankemeyer
  • Timo Müller
  • Jessica Krummacher

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Totem examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director Jessica Krummacher brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2012, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Totem took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 86 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 146 minutes long.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 4 months to complete.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The musical score contains over 39 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2012, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Totem shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Peasants, which focuses more on action than character development, Totem subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Wuthering Heights and Private Parts explore similar territory, Totem stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: January 17, 2012
  • Runtime: 1h 26m

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