Vision – Life of Hildegard von Bingen (2009)

Directed by: Margarethe von Trotta | 111 minutes | drama | Actors: Barbara Sukowa, Heino Ferch, Hannah Herzsprung, Gerald Alexander Held, Lena Stolze, Sunnyi Melles, Paula Kalenberg, Mareile Blendl, Vera Lippisch, Annemarie Düringer, Devid Striesow, Tristan Seith, Nicole Unger

Anyone who expects ‘Vision: Aus dem Leben der Hildegard von Bingen’ to be a filmed biography will feel cheated after seeing this feature film by Margarethe von Trotta. The film simply covers too few aspects of the life of this versatile and special woman to satisfy.

Since director Margarethe von Trotta focuses in the film on only a few facets of Hildegard von Bingen’s life, the viewer often misses the connection between the various events. In addition, the characters are not or hardly introduced. Also the speed with which they appear and disappear makes it almost necessary that some prior knowledge of this piece of history is a requirement. The script also lacks the necessary depth. Problems are often solved with a letter or a short conversation, while the impact of the decision has major consequences, which are then not explored in depth. The same goes for the visions Hildegard von Bingen is said to have. We see and hear her dictate the visions, but that’s about it. The consequences of these visions are not explained in more detail.

The acting level is acceptable but not compelling. Barbara Sukowa scores more than satisfactory with her portrayal of Hildegard von Bingen, but nevertheless she does not manage to draw the viewer into the story. The arrival of Richardis, played by Hannah Herzsprung, does provide new impetus in a film in which the plot is clearly subordinate to the images. ‘Vision: Aus dem Leben der Hildegard von Bingen’ is simply a beautiful looking and strongly romanticized costume drama, in which director Margarethe von Trotta shows that she has an eye for detail, light and composition. However, the beautiful images ensure that attention is somewhat diverted from the shortcomings in the script written by herself.