Der Präsident Review: A Goofy, Charming Old Farce That Still Works

Der Präsident: A Silly Trip to a New Republic

Look, if you're looking for some deep, meaningful drama to dissect on a rainy Sunday, Der Präsident is probably not your bag. But if you fancy a light, goofy old-school farce, especially if you appreciate silent-era European cinema that doesn't take itself too serious, then this one's a charming little find. Folks who need everything to make perfect sense or demand modern pacing will likely just shrug and move on. 🤷‍♀️

The premise is simple enough: a brand-new European republic, and somehow, a peasant yokel named Nikolai Malikoff gets nominated at a convention. The movie doesn't waste much time trying to make sense of *how* this happens; it just sort of… does. And honestly, that's part of its charm. The logic of Der Präsident? Oh, forget about it.

Malikoff, in the titular role, he's just wonderful. His character, he sort of just *falls* into power. It’s played for laughs, not grand political commentary. He looks genuinely bewildered by all the pomp, which makes him instantly likable. You almost feel his brain trying to catch up with the ridiculousness around him.

The Royalist plot, meanwhile, it’s less 'sinister conspiracy' and more 'a bunch of slightly dim rich people trying to sneak extra dessert.' Heinrich Schroth as one of the plotters, he’s got this wonderfully arrogant sneer that just screams old money out of touch. Their plans feel so delightfully inept. It’s like watching a particularly clumsy stage play unfold.

There's a scene during the convention where the camera just holds on a particularly bewildered extra in the crowd. They just stand there, mouth slightly ajar, as if wondering how they got here. It’s a tiny thing, easy to overlook, but it really nails that sense of chaos. The whole election, it's a blur of waving flags and confused faces.

Iwa Wanja, as the ingenue, she does a lot with just a look. Her exasperation with the new president is palpable. She's the audience stand-in, I think, trying to make sense of the madness. Her character brings a little grounding to all the silly business, even if she's often just reacting to it all.

Some of the physical comedy, you know, it’s pretty broad. But it lands more often than not. The way Malikoff's character fumbles through official duties, it’s genuinely funny. There's a particular bit involving a misplaced symbol of office—I won't spoil it—but it’s just so silly.

The pacing is, well, it’s a silent film from the era. Some scenes do go on a little longer than you might expect, letting the gags play out. But it mostly works. It feels like someone just let the actors have fun. You can almost feel the movie trying to convince you this moment matters, even though it's all just a big joke.

The whole 'new republic' setting, it's really just a backdrop for the gags. Don't expect a history lesson. It’s more interested in the humor of a simple man in an impossible situation. And honestly, that’s perfectly fine.

This film won’t change your life, but it’s a charming, lighthearted escape. If you're into early cinema, especially its lighter side, give it a shot. It's an interesting contrast to the more serious fare of the time, almost like a palate cleanser. It’s a bit of a romp, you know?

Little Things I Noticed:

• That one reaction shot from the Royalist leader when his plan goes sideways, it just lingers.
• The uniforms look surprisingly sharp for a new republic.
• The crowd scenes have this oddly empty feeling, like half the extras wandered off for a coffee break.
• Did you catch that little wink from Luigi Serventi's character at one point? Very subtle.
• The way they handle the official documents, all very dramatic, but for such trivial matters.