Largely unknown to the current generation of filmgoers, Hildegard Knef led a fascinating life and the documentary I Want It All: Hildegard Knef focuses on the broad strokes of that life. She was born in Ulm, Germany in 1925 and after her father’s passing when she was just six months old moved to Berlin. While living there she endured the full impact of World War Two including the bombing and devastation of that city.
In her teens she studied acting and that passion to entertain fuelled her life and livelihood for the rest of her days. Her story is one of the brutalities of enduring cancer (and its many surgeries) and the judgemental whims of the conservative times. She acted in German films and post-war was contracted to an American studio that had no idea of what to do with her. Music was an important driver of her success and provided a singing career that transcended acting and lasted throughout her life.
She also became a noted writer with a series of books that detailed different periods of her life. Her honesty in written form and through interviews pushing her books is startling. Those filmed interviews show how far that medium has fallen in recent days. The questions she endured and thoughtfully answered are in such stark contrast to our current state of the ten-minute talks to plug whatever new project the artist is currently spruiking.
As a history lesson and insight into the state of her times, it is never less than assertive and shows the strength of her character warts and all. Her only child, a daughter named Christina also drops truth bombs throughout the film. Living in the media spotlight most of her life, with its abundant video evidence contributes greatly to this story. Extraordinary times led to a life of extreme highs and lows and her forthrightness is riveting.
Rob Hudson
I Want It All: Hildegard Knef screenings in Brisbane
Palace Barracks Brisbane
Monday 19th May
Thursday 22nd May
Palace James St Cinema
Friday 16th May
Wednesday 21st May
Tuesday 27th May
The 2025 HSBC German Film Festival will take place from 30 April – 28 May 2025, and will take place at the Palace James Street and Palace Barracks cinemas.
Click here for more information about the festival, or head to the official website for more information and to book your tickets!
www.germanfilmfestival.com.au
