Schneewittchen

Sound supersedes sight in Stanley Schtinter’s austere anti-fairy tale starring Julie Christie and Toby Jones.

This reworking of the Grimm fable is a remake of João César Monteiro’s Branca de Neve (2000), made largely of an audio performance of Robert Walser’s titular play set to a black screen, occasionally relieved by shots of passing clouds. The film sees a resurrected Snow White reconcile with the Evil Queen, denying any foul play and even seeking forgiveness for provoking her jealousy.

A parable for our post-truth times, Schtinter’s film reflects on the tale as it travels across languages, mediums, geographies and eras.

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