‘Dysfunctional’ Family Portrait ‘The Sparrow in the Chimney’ Debuts Trailer Ahead of Locarno: ‘Humor and Sadness Are Like Siblings’ (EXCLUSIVE)

As a seasoned film enthusiast with a soft spot for introspective family dramas that delve into the depths of human psyche, I am eagerly anticipating Ramon Zürcher’s “The Sparrow in the Chimney.” The trailer promises an intriguing exploration of dysfunctional familial relationships, a topic that resonates deeply with my own life experiences.


Ramon Zürcher’s artwork, titled “The Dysfunctional Family Portrait: The Sparrow in the Chimney (Der Spatz im Kamin)”, will make its debut in Locarno’s international competition, and a trailer for it has been released prior to its premiere.

Made by Silvan Zürcher, his twin brother, and created under the banner of Zürcher Film, “The Sparrow in the Chimney” was jointly produced by SRF Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen / SRG SSR. The distribution is handled by Cercamon.

In the movie, Maren Eggert, Britta Hammelstein, Luise Heyer, Andreas Döhler, and Milian Zerzawy play family members who are preparing for a birthday celebration. However, as they delve into old wounds, they end up with more than just a slice of cake – they’re forced to confront long-buried traumas.

In the childhood home they all share, Karen, portrayed by Eggert from the sci-fi romance movie “I’m Your Man,” resides with her husband Markus and their kids. Despite the visit of Karen’s sister Jule and her family, memories of their late mother that linger are hard to dismiss.

As a captivated enthusiast, I find myself drawn to the intricacies of such relationships and the profound psychological depths they reveal – a fascination that seems to be my central focus. There’s something enthralling about the darkness that resides within us, and I believe a family setting offers an unparalleled platform for this exploration. This was expressed by Ramon Zürcher in his conversation with EbMaster.

“I don’t shy away from crafting complex characters, and while Karen might appear as a ‘less than ideal’ parent to some, I see her as a troubled, empathetic mother who is dealing with her own struggles. There are aspects of her character that resonate deeply with me.”

In my enthusiasm, I yearned to surpass the achievements of my last film, “The Strange Little Cat,” as I confessed.

As a movie enthusiast, I found the conflicts in that film to be subtly passive-aggressive and not always straightforward. To shed light on these hidden tensions, let me put it this way: The characters in this story spew vile words at one another, revealing their unsparing rudeness. It’s so shocking that you find yourself chuckling, not because it’s amusing, but because it’s so exaggerated. There’s an odd connection between humor and sorrow – they often dance together, influencing each other in a complex, captivating way.

In the realm of music composition, Balz Bachmann (Zürcher) chose an intriguing approach, juxtaposing traditional classical melodies against modern electronic chaos.

“Interestingly, the first time I watched ‘Mulholland Drive,’ the narrative was unfolding in a particular way and then suddenly shifted. I was taken aback. On the surface, it portrays a tranquil house on a beautiful summer day; however, beneath that facade, it’s shrouded in darkness. He enjoys juxtaposing disparate elements, hoping they will generate something fresh,” he reminisced.

“As a cinephile, connecting with my audience is crucial. I aim to create films that resonate with more than just myself, yet I refuse to compromise my unique voice. Fortunately, most people have families they can relate to, and I hope this shared experience will foster a deeper connection. At the same time, I want the freedom to explore new ideas and techniques without alienating my audience.”

As the events of this family’s day grew increasingly bizarre, blurring the lines between what was real and imagined, Zürcher sought creative inspiration from various genres.

“In a chilling exchange reminiscent of a classic horror tale, one sister accuses the other, ‘You’re more like a beast!’ To which the second retorts, ‘I beg to differ, the monster is you.’ This narrative unfolds primarily within the confines of a haunted house, where the unsettling echoes of the past intertwine with the present.”

Or where the presence of Karen’s strict mother is still very much felt.   

“She pervades everywhere. She’s present within Karen, in their stories, and throughout various circumstances. Yet, it’s not a frightening movie with intense scares, but more of an artistic representation like the Italian giallo genre, as he explained.”

“Horror frequently transforms psychological challenges into extreme scenarios involving monsters and destruction. In this case, Karen is facing an exorcism, which represents her struggle to overcome the ‘demon’ of past traumas or unfulfilled desires. To me, it’s a narrative about finding freedom.”

And about a family that despite all the hardships can be reborn. 

In my perspective as a movie enthusiast, Karen has transformed, emerging like a reborn phoenix from the ashes. No longer does she carry that burdensome cloud above her head. From that moment forward, the possibilities are endless for her.

“It’s crucial to understand that past traumas can linger in our present experiences. We don’t merely carry them; we engage with them, accommodate them, and often try to conceal them. However, hiding isn’t the solution – talking about them is. Sharing your story helps you find liberation.”

‘Dysfunctional’ Family Portrait ‘The Sparrow in the Chimney’ Debuts Trailer Ahead of Locarno: ‘Humor and Sadness Are Like Siblings’ (EXCLUSIVE)

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2024-08-05 13:47