Cast
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Mark Waschke
as Jan
Sabine Timoteo
as Nina
Wanja Valentin Kube
as Max
Jule Hermann
as Emma
Marthe Schneider
as Amélie
Hassan Akkouch
as Hendrik
Spencer Bogaert
as Lucas
Karen Margrethe Gotfredsen
as Laura
Hannes Perkmann
as Alexander
Isaak Dentler
as Karsten
Daniel Séjourné
as Flo
Steve Driesen
as Frédéric
Katia Fellin
as
Simon Van Buyten
as
Marie Rosa Tietjen
as
Crew
Director
- Ronny Trocker
Producer
- Paul Zischler
- Martin Rehbock
- Susanne Mann
Reviews
Manuel São Bento
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One of my intentions with this edition of Sundance was to catch as many foreign language films as possible, but without forcing myself to watch a movie that didn't interest me in the slightest. Human Factors has an intriguing premise that instantly grabbed my attention, and it was the first international flick that I added to my watchlist, so I was definitely excited. Unfortunately, it fails to build its concept in a compelling manner throughout the entire runtime, even though it's technically impressive.
Klemens Hufnagl's cinematography is undoubtedly the standout of the entire film. Ronny Trocker employs long takes and uses the physical performances from the cast to deliver the intended messages and hints to the understanding of the underlying themes that surround the overarching mystery. Different viewers can interpret these topics in distinct ways, and the screenplay's structure allows for each character's perspective of the break-in to address matters such as isolation, paranoia, personal fears, and much more. Sadly, these subjects gradually become less interesting and too philosophical due to the individual storylines that become apparently detached from the main plot.
The terrific, smooth camera work left me hoping for something that would profoundly affect the movie in a positive way, but the twisty yet unimpactful third act doesn't compensate for the slow pacing, dull conversations, and overall lack of energy. The ending warrants more time to think about it, but the underwhelming feeling will probably remain. I also found it very tough to connect with a single character, and if it weren't for the decent performances, this would have been a major letdown.
Human Factors carries an interesting premise and a storytelling structure that allows for meaningful underlying themes to be explored through isolated storylines. However, despite the remarkable cinematography from Klemens Hufnagl and Ronny Trocker's commitment to his screenplay, the philosophical, ambiguous atmosphere present during the entire runtime only hurts the already heavy pacing and bland interactions, ultimately transforming each character's arc into something hard to be emotionally invested in. The final act is as close as the viewers get to intriguing development, but the several narrative twists don't impact the overall story in a captivating nor surprising manner. Good performances from Sabine Timoteo and Mark Waschke save the film from a more significant disappointment.
Rating: C-
Jan 30, 2021
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Human Factors 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 Ronny Trocker 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 2022, 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 Human Factors took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 102 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 11 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 5 months to complete.
- The costume department created over 488 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: June 30, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 42m