Lou Andreas-Salomé is a German biographical drama film that explores the life of Lou Andreas-Salomé, a writer, philosopher, and psychoanalyst who lived in the late 19th century and early 20th century. The film stars Nicole Heesters as the older Lou Andreas-Salomé, with Katharina Lorenz and Liv Lisa Fries playing her younger selves as the film jumps back and forth in time.
The movie is based on Judith Thurman's biography of the same name and follows Lou Andreas-Salomé's life from her childhood in St. Petersburg, Russia, to her move to Munich, Germany, where she became part of the intellectual and artistic scene that included prominent figures such as Friedrich Nietzsche, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Sigmund Freud.
The film opens with the older Lou Andreas-Salomé looking back on her life and recounting some of the key moments that shaped her into who she is today. We then see her as a young woman, studying philosophy and theology in Zurich, Switzerland, where she meets and befriends Nietzsche (played by Alexander Scheer). Their relationship is one of mutual respect and intellectual admiration, and they maintain a close bond even after Nietzsche's mental breakdown.
As Lou Andreas-Salomé continues her studies and begins writing, she meets Rilke (played by Julius Feldmeier), who becomes infatuated with her. Their relationship is complex, and the film depicts some of the difficulties they faced as they tried to balance their feelings for each other with their individual ambitions and desires.
Throughout the film, we see Lou Andreas-Salomé navigating her way through a world that is largely dominated by men, and she faces many challenges as a result. She writes under a pseudonym to avoid being dismissed as a female writer, and some of the men she encounters are dismissive or condescending towards her. However, she remains determined and resilient, refusing to let anyone hold her back or dictate her path in life.
The movie also delves into Lou Andreas-Salomé's work as a psychoanalyst, and we see her treating patients and developing her theories on human sexuality and desire. Her interest in psychoanalysis stems from her fascination with the human mind and her belief that it is the key to unlocking our deepest desires and motivations.
Overall, Lou Andreas-Salomé is a thought-provoking and engaging biopic that offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of an innovative and influential woman. The performances are outstanding, particularly from Heesters, who portrays Lou Andreas-Salomé with grace and depth. The film is beautifully shot, with stunning cinematography that captures the beauty and complexity of the settings and characters.
Through its exploration of Lou Andreas-Salomé's life, the movie raises important questions about gender roles, intellectual pursuits, and the nature of human desire. It is a must-see for anyone interested in biographical films, feminist history, or the intellectual and cultural scene of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Lou Andreas-Salome is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 60.
