Bruckner's Decision (Rare Film)

ZT

Although this black and white film (from 1995) deals solely with Bruckner's treatment at Bad Kreuzen in 1867-1868...I believe the film does a spectacular job at showing what it was that set Bruckner on the path towards creating his great masterpieces (all just after his release)....his process of healing renewal from the waters and baths at Bad Kreuzen.

The various types of water treatments given to patients at Bad Kreuzen proved extremely successful. Here we see early forms of showers, and different bath procedures, hot and cold water soakings and swims in fresh water lakes.

I see this as a sort of mystic healing Bruckner received through all this, a sort of initiatic-baptism through the waters. I don't think he would have been the same person if he didn't go to Bad Keuzen...or perhaps he wouldn't have written all those masterpieces...right afterwards, to right up until his death!

There is very little dialogue acting in the film and mimics the great old black and white films of the early century and the 60's. There are also some very sensitive moments of flashbacks of Bruckner in St. Florian. This in my humble opinion helps explain the man at the time of 1867-68, and prophesies his great compositions of the future....this is exquisitely done.

The film also focuses on another patient named Otto who writes to his beloved and tells her of a mysterious guest named Bruckner. This is done through narration, and in Bruckner's scenes as well. The characterization of Bruckner is beautifully acted that you think that you are watching the real Anton!

The film moves at a relaxed and contemplative pace (almost like a silent movie), leaving the viewer to think on many things involving the greatness and strangeness that was Anton Bruckner.

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The music in the film is conducted by Sergiu Celibidache and the Munich Philharmonic, and the piano pieces are played by Michael Ponti.

- Directed by Jan Schmidt-Garre (and originally aired on German television).
- Anton Bruckner played by Joachim Bauer.