Rothenthurm

“Brother Klaus” takes an approach to St. Niklaus von Flüe (1417-1487) on various levels. From the sparse evidence and quotations from his surviving mystical texts, especially the tower and well vision, a portrait emerges of a multi-faceted personality of historical relevance, who developed from a farmer and politician into a deeply religious mystic. This is a film about a visionary who went his own way, but who has been labeled by posterity as a defensive father of the country (“spiritual national defence”) or a pacifist (peace movement), but who has also often been kitsched into a devotional figure. The film director does not deny his point of view, but lets the images speak for themselves and the viewers draw their own conclusions.

The filmmaker travels to the mysterious land of the “poor souls.” He visits eyewitnesses in rural areas of Central Switzerland. They offer their account of mystifying experiences in connection with the afterlife, of evil deeds by people who passed away long ago in need of atonement. The film investigates the hidden signs of mountain magic and reminds us of our own myths, ghosts and primal images. It also looks for paths to self-awareness that could be revealed to us within and under layers of centuries-old Catholic cultural sediment.

Director Fabian Biasio is stuck in a dilemma: as an urban cyclist, he has a latent hatred of cars. He compensates for his vulnerability with a generous interpretation of the traffic rules. But as soon as he sits behind the wheel of a car, he becomes a driver with heart and soul. He asks himself where this desire comes from and discovers worlds previously hidden from him.

The movie recalls children who suffered mental and physical harm both during the last century, particularly in religious orphanages, and during the time of early modernperiod witch-hunts. It shows that the mindsets and behavioural patterns of both time periods are more alike than one might think.

He is the village chimney sweep, and as a roofer, he loves working on church towers at dizzying heights. For the boy, his grandfather is a lucky charm and a strong man. He wants to emulate him and learn more about his origins. But his grandfather's fall from the roof changes everything.