Schussangst

Gun-Shy, characterised by the director as a poetic thriller, betrays the maker’s Georgian roots. It is an infectious chain of relatively absurd situations with occasionally unforgettable supporting roles, under which a deeply melancholy undertone is revealed. Lukas Eiserbeck lives alone in an unknown city where he found himself to complete his social alternative to military service. His job is to drive the meals-on-wheels van for the sick and elderly. One evening, a mysterious young lady in the tram throws a note in Lukas’ lap with the text ‘help me’. He seeks contact with her and soon falls in love with this attractive yet fairly unbalanced Isabella, for whom he wishes to be the proverbial knight in shining armour. Isabella turns out to have a dubious and rather painful relationship with her stepfather Romberg (Johan Leysen). Romberg gives lectures to help people conquer their fears, but at home he maintains a hypocritical façade. Conscientious objector Lukas buys a rifle… The combination of honest drama and surreal humour grates, yet in a pleasant way. The leading roles by Fabian Hinrichs and Lavinia Wilson are especially memorable. The film won major prizes at the film festivals in San Sebastian and Thessaloniki.