Matthew Milan, a mentor and former boss of mine when we were both at Critical Mass published a great presentation on Leading with Insight, as we both worked in the “Insight and Planning” department. A great piece of work for all those in “Insight” or Strategy departments who would like to learn fundamentals of leading with … there’s that word again…insight. Fundamentals such as asking thoughtful questions and looking beyond the obvious. I know in my term as a Web Analyst for Citi, it was often the case where client deliverable requests would be boiled down to Reportage, web data reports devoid of any Analysis and Insight – the kind that is needed to transform raw data into actionable data. Have a look… this is the kind of deck you’d keep and turn to for frequent reference, kind of like those self help books akin to “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” – when crazy life matters tend to derail the focus, the important stuff. So starts the tale of a 40 something Bavarian man, who still lives with his mother and en route to Romania, the biggest capital for agency organized marriages. We are introduced to Erwin, who is looking for a wife through “arranged” means. A dichotomy between old and new world in Europe. The movie witnesses the relationship between a man and his mother, and the impact that has on his newly “elected” wife (and on Erwin himself, as he inches closer to “freedom”). The wife, in character, represents freedom. This film’s charm comes in the form of “breakthrough moments” where we witness character transformations and defining moments and growth in singular, yet powerful shots. The “shaky” camera effect or as the Director articulates, “breathing” and “real” camera angles, adds to this utterly simplistic and honest film. The Director, whom we had the pleasure to quiz after the film, exudes humility and his attention to every little possible detail is pure testimony to how the film comes out. There was no “science” to casting the actors. The Director explained that each were handpicked for special reasons, many of which as a result of the actors themselves experiencing personal problems of their own where they could relate or immerse themselves into the role. The cast is indeed very colorful, random and unique:
The Romanian lead, Erwin’s wife Irina, was sighted on the streets of Bucharest where the Director was convinced that she was “the one” (no professional acting experience on her behalf was confirmed). Matthias Brandt is the ex Chancellor of Germany Willy Brandt’s son. Quite notably, although playing a smaller role in this movie, Maia Morgenstern, who was Mary mother of Christ in “Passion of the Christ”.
The Q&A session gave the audience an opportunity to ask the Director questions. You should know that the entire audience stayed on for the Q&A, which demonstrates how enjoyable this German film really was. The most idiotic, ok that’s harsh, the most irrelevant question asked was, “What were the key takeaways of the movie?”… ????? BUDDY, we are NOT at a business related presentation!! The director politely answered in German accented cadence, “I am not a teacher, there are no key takeaways”.
