The White Ribbon

(Michael Haneke/2009/Germany) 

In a German village, just before the First World War, untoward things are beginning to occur. The narrator posits the events of the film as a possible explanation for future events in the country so we are to take it that this is an exposition by Haneke on the roots of fascism or evil perhaps. It’s a vague enough supposition to be questioned and just kept in mind for any deeper thinking on the film afterwards I guess. Beautifully shot in black and white and paced exquisitely so as to slowly unfurl before the viewer with a creeping intensification of horrible events The White Ribbon looks at the power structures within the village and can be seen as a representation of “old” Germany. The doctor, the pastor and the baron are the triumvirate that lead the community, each exhibiting varying degrees of zealousness in their control of those around them. The doctor in particular is a nasty bastard. 

It becomes apparent that the children of the village are operating as a covert gang of sorts and are perpetrating much of the incidents which are occurring although not all of them. Again Haneke is deploying a certain ambiguity to provoke thought and debate. But if we accept that the children are at the heart of the subterfuge and revolt against the established power structure within the village we can see how it relates to that first statement about future events in Germany. These kids are the exact generation that will vote for Hitler. Is Haneke suggesting that the urge to rebel against older generations and usurp long standing systems of control is the reason for fascism and right wing nationalist ideas? I don’t think so, it’s subtler than that, the youthful capacity and will for change allows space for certain, extreme ideas to take hold more like. It appears the root and nature of evil is inherent in mankind, even to the point that innocent children can perpetrate crimes in blind faith to a higher cause. Or are the children a metaphor whereby Haneke is proposing innocence for that generation, their desire for something better blinding them to the rottenness of the new regime? Also as one system of control is replaced by another is there really any change as we see the white ribbon of the title, employed as a shaming device by the pastor, correlates to the yellow stars of David used to segregate Jews under the Third Reich? 

 

It’s that kind of movie that doesn’t easily answer any of your questions and demands some consideration from the audience. It’s also a masterpiece from Haneke who employs all his skills of suggestion, observation and ideation to compel the viewer to respond.

(4/5)