Standing up for justice is a fundamental duty as a human being. ``The Collini Affair'' directed by Marco Kreuzpaintner [Director's Interview Vol.59]

Ferdinand von Schirach was one of Germany's leading criminal lawyers and wrote many social mysteries based on the cases he handled himself. In his novel ``The Collini Affair'', the startling ``legal pitfalls'' described in the novel led to the German Federal Ministry of Justice appointing an investigative committee in January 2012, a few months after its publication. It is said that a meeting was established. This novel that “shaken the nation” has finally been made into a movie.

It would be no exaggeration to say that this work embodies Germany's negative history. Director Marco Kreuzpaintner successfully visualizes the film using a profound and calming style. This time, we spoke to the director himself.

Index

• standing up for justice
• Happy relationship with actors
• Possibilities brought about by photography technology
• Let's go on a "moral journey"

standing up for justice

Q: What was it about the original that attracted you?

Marco: I was particularly drawn to the theme of justice. More specifically, it is about whether what we usually call justice is really what it is. I believe that ``The Collini Incident'' is a story about ``conscience'' in its original meaning, something that has become extremely rare these days. This work shows that standing up for justice is the most fundamental duty of a human being. And that struggle always has meaning.

Q: How did this project come to you?

Marco: I heard about it from the producer about three years ago and thought it was a very attractive project. Then, in early 2018, I read the script. I was originally very impressed by Ferdinand von Schirach's novel, but what really sealed the deal for me was the script and the idea of ​​having Elias Mubarek as the main character. I thought it was a very different and interesting approach.

Q: What specifically were you interested in? 

Marco: I hope that the appeal that I felt can be conveyed to the audience as well, but I think that the main character is a new lawyer with an immigrant background, and the fact that he is what you would Outsider is also appealing. The year was 2001, and someone in his situation was not guaranteed a great career. By chance or by necessity, he ended up taking on the role of the murderer's public defender. And the trial of the century was about to begin. He fights in court, thinks about ethics, and grows a lot.

In addition, the selection of Elias, a popular actor, for this role provides an opportunity to engage a younger audience with this theme. ``I'd like to see Elias play this role. I thought many young people would be interested in it, thinking, ``It's not a boring history lesson, but a proper movie experience.''

Happy relationship with actors