Diplomacy may the balance of consideration, but the line becomes hazy in such matters for one individual in the shadow of World War II in the new noir drama A FORGOTTEN MAN.
Swiss Ambassador to Germany Heinrich Zwigart (Michael Neueschwander) seemingly seems to have everything at hand and is on course to find both inner peace and satisfaction as he returns to the bosom of his family and home after fleeing the centre of the Reich and Hitler’s crumbling grasp on supreme power. His daughter’s new boyfriend seems acceptable enough to his wife and reluctantly embraces him as he re-adjusts to life after an intense six years of conflict.
However, the spectre of a young man is continuing to give him concerns on all fronts, alongside a stubborn father with old-Reich beliefs and the imminent gathering to celebrate Zwigart’s contribution to building new bridges between Germany and Swiss interests in business and economic progression.
It is clear that status is starting to have a darker effect on Zwigart’s own general well-being, as well as the indirect impact on his family. The daughter’s new squeeze also may have something to hide….
It’s rare that a period film like this plays in well under two hours (look at the likes of recent Christopher Nolan and Martin Scorsese offerings as examples, plus the MCU AVENGER films), but Laurent Negre‘s striking black-and-white noir family drama utilises his economic running time (84 minutes!) to tell an intense and occasionally moving film that echoes DOWNFALL in conflicting drama and tone.
A FORGOTTEN MAN is the latest in a series of serious, reflective films that tell the flaws and fluctuations of the Nazi perspective, coupled with its’ own desire to enlightenment at a time when war is very much at the forefront of contemporary emotion and feeling. It is familiar territory, enhanced with refreshing tone thanks to excellent performances from those as the family unit.
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