NEVER LOOK AWAY MOVIE SUMMARY

 

"Never Look Away" (original title: "Werk ohne Autor") is a German drama film directed by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck. The movie was released in 2018 and is loosely inspired by the life of the renowned German artist Gerhard Richter. Here is a detailed summary of the film:

Set in post-World War II Germany, the story revolves around the life of a young artist named Kurt Barnert. The film opens with a scene depicting a young Kurt visiting an exhibition in Dresden with his aunt. There, he witnesses the Nazi regime's condemnation of modern art, including the works of his beloved uncle, who suffers from mental illness and is later killed as part of the Nazi's euthanasia program.

As a young man, Kurt (played by Tom Schilling) attends the Dresden Art Academy, where he meets a fellow student named Ellie Seeband (played by Paula Beer). They form a close bond, and their relationship blossoms into a romance. However, Ellie's father, Professor Carl Seeband (played by Sebastian Koch), is a prominent gynecologist with a dark past. He was responsible for conducting forced sterilizations and other inhumane medical experiments during the Nazi era.

Kurt's artistic talent catches the attention of Professor Antonius van Verten (played by Oliver Masucci), who becomes his mentor and encourages him to explore his creativity. Under Verten's guidance, Kurt begins to experiment with various artistic styles, expressing his emotions and experiences through his art.

Despite the challenges and the restrictive political climate, Kurt eventually manages to flee to West Germany with Ellie, where he continues his studies at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. There, he encounters a new wave of artistic movements, including abstract expressionism, which influences his work.

Throughout his journey, Kurt grapples with the trauma of his past, particularly the loss of his uncle and the atrocities committed during the Nazi regime. He becomes determined to confront and depict the truth through his art, challenging the prevailing norms and ideologies.

Meanwhile, Ellie's father, Professor Seeband, faces a reckoning as his past actions come to light. He stands trial for his involvement in the Nazi crimes and forced sterilizations. The trial uncovers the extent of his guilt and the tragic consequences of his actions.

As the film progresses, Kurt's art evolves, reflecting his personal growth and his search for identity and meaning. He develops a signature style that combines elements of photorealism and abstraction, creating emotionally charged and thought-provoking pieces.

The narrative reaches its climax when Kurt discovers that Ellie's father was involved in the death of his uncle. This revelation deeply affects Kurt and motivates him to create a groundbreaking masterpiece that captures the essence of his experiences and emotions.

In the end, Kurt's art gains recognition and acclaim, and he becomes a celebrated artist. The film concludes with an elderly Kurt, reflecting on his life and the power of art to preserve memories and confront the painful truths of history.

"Never Look Away" is a complex and visually stunning film that explores themes of art, love, truth, and the impact of historical events on individuals and society. It delves into the power of creativity and the role of art in capturing and processing human experiences.