Funny Red Baron coincidence

Yesterday I was talking on the phone with my mother, and I told her about my mixed feelings regarding Manfred von Richthofen, better known as The Red Baron. (Book: The Red Baron by Emile E. Schurmacher, Coronet Publications, 1970.) As we continued to talk, we both came to the conclusion that it would make a great film.

There is sensitivity, conflict, love, a remarkable yet controversial main character, and he dies young. There are themes of impossible love, sibling rivalry and conflict, family ties and illness, destiny related to family history vs. personal inclination and free choice, and of course war and loss. Portrayed correctly, it could effectively lead people to let go of — or at least question — their black-or-white attitude about judging people. (I last had that experience while watching the incredible film: “Il y a longtemps que je t’aime” (rough translation: “For such a long time I have loved you”), which is NOT primarily a love story in the usual way. Von Richthofen really was amazing, capable of love, friendship and great loyalty, yet also a cold, calculating deadly killer.

I just thought I’d take a look to see if there are any films about him, and what a surprise! There is a new film to be released September 4th. I read a description of the film/review, which sounds rather disappointing. The thought crossed my mind that it would be a good film for Wim Wenders to make, but it sounds like we already have one. Oh, well.