Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's Film 'Never Look Away' Explores Gerhard Richter's Artistic Journey

Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's 2018 film 'Never Look Away' serves as Germany's Official Selection for the 2019 Academy Awards, blending fiction with historical events to depict the life of a painter inspired by Gerhard Richter. The narrative spans from the 1937 'Degenerate Art' exhibition to a 1964 solo show at Galeria Schmela in Dusseldorf, using fictional character Kurt Barnert, played by Tom Schilling, as a stand-in for Richter. At a screening in MoMA's Titus Theater 1, the director emphasized cinema's role as a social art form, avoiding self-promotion. Historical accuracy in the film's art reproductions was overseen by Andreas Schon, Richter's former student, ensuring precision in works from Die Brücke and Der Blaue Reiter to Richter's photo-realist pieces. The story intertwines personal tragedy with historical atrocities, featuring Nazi-sympathizer Professor Carl Seeband, portrayed by Sebastian Koch, whose actions impact Barnert's life, including his marriage to Elisabeth, played by Paula Beer. Set against backdrops in Dresden and Dusseldorf, the film explores Barnert's artistic struggles, from his admission to the Dresden Art Academy in 1952 to his development at the Dusseldorf Art Academy, with Joseph Beuys hinted as an influence. Thomas Demand praised the film for its plausible depiction of art creation, highlighting its cinematic authority and commitment to exploring what defines an artist.