Kohlhaas oder Die Verhältnismässigkeit der Mittel

Kohlhaas Or The Proportionality Of Means

Deep in the Bavarian countryside Kleist’s historical drama Michael Kohlhaas is being shot. But instead of shooting a huge epic with impressive costumes and extraordinary props, grownup men in blue overalls and suits run through the woods and fight with imaginary weapons. What has happened? The young director Lehmann is fighting for his vision, for his film, although all funds have been cancelled after the first day of shooting. With enthusiasm Lehmann appeals to the imagination of his team. He's convinced that the actor's play and the fantasy of the audience will be sufficient to make this movie authentic.

The team depends on the support of the people from the village. But with his unconventional ideas and his fundamentalism, Lehmann has supporters as well as enemies. After a few days of shooting the mood at the set changes. Negative voices arise. It all seems to get out of control. The fictional Kohlhaas plot takes over reality little by little. Lehmann has to fight for his vision as much as Kleist's Kohlhaas has to fight for his right. Lehmann sees his hopes dash. But he knows: this film has to be finished. Whatever may come. Even if he has to go far. Too far.

Source: German Films Service & Marketing GmbH