THEMOVIES

Max Aldorfer (Dirk Bogarde), is a night porter in post-war Vienna. A professional, with the correct attitude of an employee. Behind this appearance, however, lurks a monster. During the Second World War he was a cruel and sadistic SS Officer. One day, new guests arrive at the hotel where he works: an opera conductor and his beautiful wife Lucia (Charlotte Rampling). After just a few exchanged glances, Lucia and Max recognize each other. After all, Lucia was one of the victims on whom Max inflicted his perverse rituals full of violence. Despite that violent past, Lucia feels somehow attracted to Max. For his part, Max thinks he can build a relationship with Lucia. Lucia is torn between fear, desire and moral considerations. Does she pick up the violent thread with her torturer Max again, or does she continue with her new life and loving husband? A fascinating film about Stockholm syndrome, in this case the complex and at times disturbing relationship between a fugitive SS officer and a Holocaust survivor. The powerful acting of Charlotte Rampling and Dirk Bogarde portrays the oppressive and schizophrenic atmosphere between the two in a credible way.