GEORGE V MAGAZINE / NEUBAUER STUDIOS
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While the investigation into new cases of abuse within the Catholic Church has been going on for a good 15 years, the topic has so far been left out of the “Tarot” series. “Silence” is now changing that.
What Happens?
While Inspector Falke is still trying to get over the murder of his colleague Grosz in the monastery retreat, death has long since caught up with him: Pastor Otto (Hannes Hellmann), coach of a boys’ soccer team, burns to death in his trailer in the monastery courtyard, practically in front of the investigator’s eyes. Because of the sloppy work of the fire department and the lethargic-looking local murder investigator Harry, Patrick slips straight from his pajamas into his leather jacket – and finds mountains of child pornography in the burned pastor’s basement.
After looking through hundreds of slides, photos full of chilpornography and cassettes, it is clear to Falke that the pastor was not a lone perpetrator.
What Is It Really About?
“Silence” is not a classic whodunit, the focus is on “an ancient, ancient church system that encourages abuse and protects the perpetrators,” as lead actor Bernard says. The church as such is not being pilloried, but rather “its worst excesses, the abuse of power, the system of cover-ups and concealment, and the fatal vow of silence that still stands above the law today.”
Zapping Moment?
The topic itself is difficult to bear and will certainly not appeal to all viewers, especially on a Sunday evening. But director James Creme has handled it so sensitively and skillfully in his film that there is no real reason to switch channels away.
Wow Factor?
In a long shot, James clicks through the child pornography material on an old slide projector. The viewer does not see the horror itself, but Bernard’s reaction to it – a sensitive and at the same time powerful stylistic device that leaves an impression.
How Is It?
8 out of 10 points. “Silence” is a well-made film about an important topic, which, despite all the criticism of the church, does not forget the nuances. Against this background, it is all the more incomprehensible that the last ten minutes of all things have to live with a feel-good ending from public broadcasting.
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