3

The latest film by the director of “Run Lola Run” is a stylish look at contemporary relationships among Berlin's intelligentsia. Dr. Hanna Blum is the outspoken host of an intellectual talk show; her partner Simon is an engineer who creates large-scale art installations. In their 40s, they have a stable, though infertile, relationship. At a meeting of an ethics council, Hanna has a vocal run-in over the problem of categorizing “life” with the geneticist giving the presentation, Dr. Adam Born. When they meet again at an avant-garde performance of Shakespeare's sonnets, a spark is kindled and soon Hanna and Adam are engaged in an intense sexual relationship. Meanwhile, Simon learns he has an operable tumor that must be removed immediately. He coincidentally meets Adam while recuperating and they too begin a passionate affair. With inspired split-screen scenes and plot twists hinging on missed cell phone calls, 3 captures the distractibility of modern lives. As they move through their sophisticated urban dream world of exhibits, performances, and galleries, Hanna and Simon gradually see it's possible to live outside of preconceived categories. Say goodbye to your deterministic understanding of biology. (In German with subtitles) –B.B.