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Cinema Q
“3” Sheds New Light on an Old Comedic
Film Premise
by Jeffery Hoyle
Any film maker that directs more than one successful film feels
pressure to repeat that success with every new project. Such is
the case of German director Tom Tykwer, the director of such
critically acclaimed films as “Run Lola Run,” and “The
International.” In Tykwer’s latest release, “3”, the prolific
director takes on the joys and sorrows of a relationship at a
crossroads.
Hanna (Sophie Rois) and Simon (Sebastian Schipper) are a forty-ish
German couple who have enjoyed 20 unmarried years together.
Their relationship is becoming dull; each takes the other for
granted, and they wonder where their relationship is headed.
Enter the enigmatic Adam (Devid Striesow), a scientist, and the
stage is set.
Life for the pair isn’t smooth sailing. Simon is diagnosed with
testicular cancer and is immediately rushed into emergency
surgery and undergoes a very graphic (and conscious) removal of
his diseased testicle. Hanna, meanwhile, is “busy” attending an
afternoon soccer match, enjoying a few beers and eventually
enjoys Adam as an affair begins. Simon has recently lost his
mother to pancreatic cancer as well, and in her guilt at his
circumstances Hanna decides to break off the blossoming affair
with Adam, and re-devotes herself to Simon supporting him
through his physical and emotional recovery.
Ironically, during a visit to a public pool, Simon also meets
Adam. When Adam provocatively asks Simon if he can see the scar
from his testicular surgery, it becomes clear where the scene is
headed by the gleam in Adam’s eyes. Their first changing room
encounter is one of the more memorable scenes in the film, and
sets the tone for what’s to come.
Both Simon and Hanna feel guilty about their affairs; neither
knowing an affair even exists or that their secret lover is same
person. As a last-ditch effort to revive their relationship, and
to quell their desires for the minimalistic science guy, the
pair marries in a simple civil ceremony. Things begins to
unravel when the newlyweds attendance at an art opening puts
them both literally in the path of their secret lover Adam; a
meeting diverted only by retreat down opposite hallways till
Adam passes by.
Close call averted, Simon and Hanna cannot get enough of Adam.
Adam on the other hand, completely in the dark; is unaware his
lovers are husband and wife. But all is revealed late one rainy
night when Hanna makes an unscheduled visit to Adams apartment,
and finds him “with” Simon. Hanna’s failed pregnancy test is
overshadowed by the trio’s uncomfortable realization of what the
audience has known all along. Simon scrambles into his clothes
and runs after Hanna, only to find she has fled.
So which couple survives? Is it Simon and Hanna? Is it Hanna and
Adam? Is it Adam and Simon? The film’s title should make the
ending clear. Suffice to say “3” is an enjoyable film subtitles
and all; even with its somewhat predictable plot twists. These
twists could be viewed as a modern slant on the screwball
comedies of the 1930’s. It lightens what could be dark material
Throughout the film Adam surfaces as the most likable character
of the trio; probably due to his lack of complicity in Hanna and
Simon’s deceptions. That and the revelation that not only is
Adam bisexual, he is a father, an avid motorcyclist, a chorus
singer…and is also sleeping with his handsome lab assistant.
Maybe Adam isn’t so guilt-free after all.
“3” runs November 16th - 24th as a special presentation by
Cinema Q. For more information visit the Cinema Q section of the
Denver Film Society website, or call 303-595-3456.
Film has119min run time
German subtitles/English
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