A variation on the problem of triolism made with striking stability of style and a great feeling for mise-en-scène. Angela Schanelec demonstrates in this film an impressive mixture of stylised camera angles and realism, by filming taut and geometrically in simple interiors and existing locations. Her self-confidently designed, naturally acted everyday drama made German critics compare it with the greats from film history. Protagonist is the fairly unsuccessful free-lance photographer Christian. A sober, surly and melancholy personality who is not very happy in his relationship with Ariane. He is attracted to Ariane’s sister Isabel (a striking role by film-maker Angela Schanelec herself). Not very sure where he’s at, he decides to live with Isabel and tries to avoid Ariane. But he hasn’t really chosen for one or other of the sisters: he continues to see Ariane. Christian does not have much to spend so he often has lunch with his friend Richard who is a painter. Richard has a wife and children and seems to lead the normal life that is out of reach of Christian. But it is Richard who suddenly is able to choose another life. Christian, Ariane and Isabel are not able to make such a clear choice. They hope it is a temporary crisis in their relationship and that the future will be without problems.
