Cast
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Louis Hofmann
as Phil
Sabine Timoteo
as Glass
Ada Philine Stappenbeck
as Dianne
Jannik Schümann
as Nicholas
Svenja Jung
as Kat
Inka Friedrich
as Tereza
Sascha Alexander Geršak
as Michael
Nina Proll
as Pascal
Clemens Rehbein
as Kyle
Aurélie Thépaut
as Lehrerin
Nadja Zwanziger
as Mutter des Brocken
Thomas Goritzki
as Lehrer Hänel
Crew
Director
- Jakob M. Erwa
Producer
- Boris Schönfelder
Reviews
SunParakeet
**Brave and authentic**
What does cinema mean to you? To me it means emotions and stories, told with moving images, with music and with words. And, in my opinion, for cinema to be at its greatest it needs to brave and vulnerable.
Center of My World is exactly that: brave and vulnerable. And intimate. And true.
Its is the story of Phil, a standard teenager, who is just a little gayer than the rest. But him being gay is really not an important part of the story.
He struggles with his family, with deeply hidden secrets of the past and their effects in the present, which may break his family apart. And he falls in love for the first time. That's really it.
And while watching this in the cinema some people laughed at the film. Because it shows how love is, unironically and over-the-top. It dives deep into Phil's emotions and shows us not only the center of his world, but maybe even the center of THE world (hence the original German title "The Center of the World"). And most people can not let themselves dive into these depths.
And if you want to experience this small gem of a movie, you have to make yourself vulnerable, too. Leave your irony at home, just watch this movie as you are - naked and vulnerable.
Then you may see what cinema can do, what cinema is for.
Feb 20, 2017
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Center of My World 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 Jakob M. Erwa 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 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Center of My World took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 115 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Center of My World shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Amagi Pass, which focuses more on action than character development, Center of My World offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Circle and Cora Bora explore similar territory, Center of My World 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: November 10, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 55m
Where to Watch
