A conversation or two.

Rating: 7/10 (27 March 2020)

Set primarily in the 80s, 'The Lives Of Others (2006)' tells the story of a writer who finds himself on the wrong side of the East German government via the man whom has been assigned to listen into his every word. The movie is interesting in that we're essentially watching someone watch someone. Each story can only exist within the context of the other, which leads to a complex and mature experience that touches on resonant themes of privacy, loneliness and personal freedom. The protagonist is a bit of a blank slate. However, as he slowly becomes more and more invested in the lives of those he monitors, he definitely undergoes a full character arc. The movie itself is often surprisingly suspenseful, brilliantly constructed to eek the most out of each potential moment of tension. Its main asset is, I suppose, its natural dramatic irony, which is used wonderfully throughout. Sometimes, the thing is a little too slow for its own good. It also has an extended denouement that seeps the life out of its otherwise superb climax. These final moments do provide a nice bit of closure but they mostly recycle old information and don't feel efficient at all. The decision to end on, essentially, a joke is questionable, too. Still, the piece is an entertaining and effective thriller overall. 7/10