Once the store is closed to
customers, a man in the office acts as a disc jockey, playing classical music and
announcing over the intercom, “Welcome to
the night, colleagues.” And indeed, night at this store is its own world,
with its own citizens, alliances and conflicts, even its own way of celebrating
holidays. Bruno tells Christian early in the film: “We don’t get along so well with Canned Goods. With Sweets, we’re fine.”
There is trouble between some departments regarding the use of forklifts. Being
allowed to drive such a machine is almost an honor in this world. The employees
have to prove themselves worthy, even having to pass a class on forklift use
and safety. And when one is granted that honor, he is applauded by the others.
Most of the film takes place in
this nighttime world. It is more than fifteen minutes into the movie before we
are allowed anywhere else. The first other location the film takes us is
Christian’s apartment, and it is then and there that he finally speaks at any
length, and that is to us, in voice over. “There
was no daylight in the aisles,” he tells us. Interestingly, it seems
equally dark in his home. It is also interesting that at first the voice over
is only presented at the end of a work day, that it is then that he offers his
thoughts on this world. It gives us the sense that while at work, he is too
focused on the job to address us. At least, at first. But soon Marion becomes
his focus, though it is a while before he really speaks to her. It is she who
approaches him initially, asking to join him in a coffee from the machine. While
they drink coffee, he sees from her name tag that she is Sweet Goods (naturally).
There is some wonderful humor
to this film, like the instructional video Christian has to watch on operating
a forklift safely. Think of those graphic driver’s education films back in the
day. And the courtship between Christian and Marion is adorable. Though soon
Christian learns some things that may put a halt to that. And one day Marion
begins ignoring him, and soon thereafter disappears.
The film is beautifully shot,
and it is the cinematography as much as the performances that draws us in and
endears the place to us. Because the world of the store is so clearly and fully
realized, it is rather jarring when something disrupts it, as when two people
from Christian’s past enter the store, giving us a glimpse of his life before
this job. They so clearly do not belong, and Christian immediately goes about
clearing away the evidence that they were present at all. And one night after
work, when Bruno invites Christian home for a drink, we learn a little more of
Christian’s past. But this stuff almost doesn’t matter to us. It is Christian’s
present that we are caught up in. It is the quiet world of the store and its
inhabitants that ends up meaning so much to us.
Special Features
The DVD contains a few special
features, including an interview with Franz Rogowski about his character. He
talks about how he was thrilled at how few lines the character had when he was
first reading the script, but then how weird it was at times having entire
shooting days without a line to deliver. He mentions how the film was shot at
an actual store at night once it closed, and how that worked so well for him
getting into character. He also talks about the story, the director’s style,
and the other cast members. The interview is approximately thirteen minutes and
is conducted in English. There is also a short piece on Franz Rogowski receiving
a European Shooting Stars Award.
Also included is footage from The
Berlin International Film Festival, including a press conference featuring the
film’s producers, director and cast members. The press conference is conducted largely
in German, with English translation presented in voice over, though some
questions are asked in English. The actors are asked about learning to drive a
forklift, and the humor of the film is discussed. This feature is approximately
twenty-seven minutes. The film’s trailer is also included.
In The Aisles was directed by Thomas Stuber, and was released on
DVD on September 17, 2019 through Music Box Films. It is presented in its
original German, with optional English subtitles.
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