Cast
View AllVasilis Magouliotis
as Victoras
Anton Weil
as Mathias
Stella Fyrogeni
as Angeliki
Marc Pistono
as Patrick
Brando Rossi
as Policeman
Pierpaolo Vitale
as Restaurant Waiter
Antonis Katsaris
as Funeral Contractor
Rinio Dragasaki
as Lady on The Boat
Thodoros Mihopoulos
as Furniture Factory Boss
Vassilis Dimitroulias
as Boat Barman
Roni Enwiya
as Priest
Pier Andrea Bosna
as Groom
Crew
Director
- Stelios Kammitsis
Writer
- Stelios Kammitsis
Producer
- Luca Legnani
- Vicky Miha
- Stelios Kammitsis
- Fenia Cossovitsa
Reviews
CinemaSerf
This is really quite an enjoyable two-hander that sees "Victoras" (Vasilis Magouliotis) travelling on a ferry from Greece en route to Germany. In the café on board, he spots "Mathias" (Anton Weil) stealing a sandwich. Later the two meet on deck, and again once the ferry has docked when the latter man offers to help his non-German speaking friend navigate his way out of the port and onwards to his destination. Sceptical, "Victoras" accepts and what now ensues is a gently engaging road trip as the two get to know and trust each other. To help pass the time, "Mathias" suggests they play a game of twenty questions. The object of the game is to find out as much as he can about his travelling companion - not least, why he is going to Bavaria! That game serves to illustrate to the audience a little about both men in quite a novel and entertaining fashion. There is a distinct chemistry between the two lads here, the chatty and inquisitive passenger and the initially reticent driver - but that adds to the charm of the drama as gradually we sense that there are sparks looming, they are just taking their time! The actual purpose of the journey serves as a useful conduit for their backstories, but essentially this is just a tale of two strangers who meet and discover, well, that perhaps they quite like each other.
Jan 5, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Man with the Answers 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 Stelios Kammitsis 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 2021, 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 The Man with the Answers took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 80 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 121 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 3 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2021, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Climate change mitigation had become a central policy concern internationally.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Man with the Answers shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike M, which focuses more on action than character development, The Man with the Answers offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Saint-Narcisse and Night Disclosure explore similar territory, The Man with the Answers 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: September 2, 2021
- Runtime: 1h 20m