Written and directed by Ido Fluk, Vera, still in high school when she started producing and promoting music concerts in Cologne, puts everything on the line to put on Keith Jarrett’s 1975 Köln Concert. Scrambling to get together until the very last second what would go on to become one of the best-selling jazz records of all time. Starring: Mala Emde, John Magaro, Michael Chernus, Shirin Lilly Eissa, Enno Trebs, Alexander Scheer, Ulrich Tukur, Jördis Triebel, Leo Meier and Leon Blohm.
No matter how many films you watch, it’s still a fairly rare occurrence to find a film that is wholeheartedly a joyous, entertaining and infectious experience, Köln 75 is one of those films. Granted, going into this as blind as possible is going to improve the experience because if you’re entering it as an entrenched jazz fan and know the whole history, you’ll probably find things to pick apart. To simply sit back and enjoy the adventure, is where you’re going to get the most out of this film.
A big part of Köln 75’s charm is the high energy it brings to the table, it injects the whole style and atmosphere with Vera’s (Mala Emde) passion and youth. It’s filled with personality and has a superb pacing that feels almost akin to Licorice Pizza but more vivacious and suave. Ido Fluk nicely captures that 1970s feel, freewheeling, lively and tinged with politics and anti-establishment tones.
The cinematography from Jens Harant captures the perfect amount of colour to match the energetic air but not go overboard. Creating something rich and established without expanding beyond the youthfulness. Its fourth wall breaks and the way it’s partially narrated may not work for everyone, but it adds a good amount of character and playfulness. It creates a certain self-aware edge which feeds into its frenzied nature.
All the different elements work so well together to really embrace the effervescence of Köln 75 but unquestionably a key element is the performances. This is an absolutely stacked cast, led by the fantastic Mala Emde who is simply wonderful as Vera. She’s genuinely effortless to watch, she has an enthralling presence and makes it very easy to root for Vera’s success. She’s filled with strength and determination and has strong chemistry with pretty much every other actor she comes into contact with, as she makes Vera so undeniable.
She’s then backed by a terrific supporting cast, John Magaro and Michael Chernus never disappoint. Enno Trebs, who can also be seen in Christian Petzold’s latest feature Miroirs No. 3, has a classic, bumbling puppy dog charm. Everyone has something to add, if you gave each person the amount of screentime that they deserved, the film would go on for far too long, they’re a hugely enjoyable ensemble.
Köln 75 is fun, energetic and infectious. It’s a jazz-fuelled adventure, a story of determination and beating the odds, tapping into the classically effective underdog theme. There’s an excellent cast at work, it’s a long list of wonderful actors, led superbly by the very charming Mala Emde. It’s shot well to capture that richness and fluidity of jazz, keeps a great pacing and never loses its high, engaging energy.
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