About The Tin Drum

The Tin Drum, released in 1979, is a war / drama film directed by Volker Schlöndorff. It is a film adaptation of the 1959 novel of the same name by Günter Grass. The movie unveils the story of Oskar Matzerath, a boy living in a suburb of Danzig who decides, on his third birthday, to stop growing up as a form of protest against the adult world. He is given a tin drum on the same day, which he uses to express his feelings and protest.

The Plot

As World War II unfolds, Oskar, with his drum, bears witness to the dark events surrounding him, including the rise of Nazism, which greatly affects his family and friends. Despite his physical limitations, he lives through historical events, suffering, love, and loss, providing a unique perspective on the madness of war.

Making / Production

The film was made by director Volker Schlöndorff with co-writers Jean-Claude Carrière and Günter Grass. It was a challenging venture to bring Grass' complex novel to the screen. The meticulous attention to detail, outstanding casting, and rigorous dedication of the production team were instrumental in creating this cinematic masterpiece.

Actors

• David Bennent as Oskar Matzerath: The remarkable child actor played the role with great intensity and emotional depth, capturing the complexity of his character.
• Mario Adorf as Alfred Matzerath: Adorf portrayed Oskar’s father with conviction, expertly depicting the character's journey through the horrors of war.
• Angela Winkler as Agnes Matzerath: As Oskar's mother, Winkler gave a performance filled with heartbreak and melancholy.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Tin Drum is the first German film to win the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.
• David Bennent, who played Oskar, was 12 years old during the making of the film; however, his character is supposed to be a three-year-old.

Awards

The Tin Drum notably won the Palme d'Or at the 1979 Cannes Film Festival. In 1980, it won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, becoming the first German film to earn the honour.

Quotes

• "I might be short, but I make up for it by being disobedient."
• "Even though I had declared that I would carry responsibility for nothing, I was nevertheless unable to avoid seeing and hearing."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's poignant and evocative soundtrack was composed by Maurice Jarre, adding another layer to the film's narrative.
• The incessant beating of the tin drum itself creates an echo throughout the film, sometimes reflecting Oskar's emotions, sometimes narrating the chaos of the world outside.