REVIEW: MAYBE...MAYBE NOT (1996)
MAYBE...MAYBE NOT
A film review by James Berardinelli
Copyright 1996 James Berardinelli
RATING (0 TO 10): 5.5
Alternative Scale: ** out of ****
Germany, 1994
Release date: beginning 7/96 (limited)
Running Length: 1:33
MPAA Classification: R (Sexual situations, frank sexual language)
Theatrical Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1
Cast: Til Schweiger, Joachim Krol, Katja Riemann, Rufus Beck,
Antonia Lang
Director: Sonke Wortmann
Producer: Bernd Eichinger
Screenplay: Sonke Wortmann
Cinematography: Gernot Roll
Music: Torsten Breuer
U.S. Distributor: Orion Pictures Classics
Although Sonke Wortmann's 1994 German film has a few things going
for it, it's hard to understand why it was such a big hit in its native
country. In addition to possessing a plot that approaches sexual issues
(both homosexual and heterosexual) with refreshing candor and
unselfconsciousness, MAYBE...MAYBE NOT boasts the presence of Katja
Riemann (MAKING UP!), one of the best young German actresses working
today. Unfortunately, these assets can't bandage the film's fundamental
flaw. As a comedy, it's only sporadically funny, and, as a drama, it
lacks emotional depth.
MAYBE...MAYBE NOT is clumsily constructed. It meanders, and
doesn't seem to have a clear goal, except to say that it's possible for
a gay man and a straight man to be friends without sleeping together.
That's not an especially compelling statement, and this isn't an overly-
interesting forum in which to present it. The conclusion is open-ended,
and, while that might be okay for a more serious film, it's a drawback
for something attempting to be a light comedy.
The film begins with Doro (Riemann) discovering her live-in lover,
Axel (Til Schweiger), having sex with another woman in the bathroom at
their workplace. Doro's reaction is to kick Axel out of her house, so
he spends the rest of the day looking for a place to crash. Eventually,
he moves in with Norbert (Joachim Krol), a gay friend-of-a-friend-of-a-
friend. Norbert, a shy, nerdy sort of guy, is not-so-secretly attracted
to Axel, but the hunky hetero either doesn't notice, or pretends not to
(the film never makes it clear which is the case).
After Axel has been gone for several days, Doro decides that she
misses him, and, when a home pregnancy test reads positive, she begins
searching for him. In the meantime, Axel is learning about the gay
lifestyle, although he remains fairly secure in his heterosexuality,
despite Norbert's attempts to "convert" him. Ultimately, MAYBE...MAYBE
NOT becomes a showdown of sorts between Doro and Norbert for who
captures Axel's affections.
I think we're supposed to identify with the Axel, although it's
difficult to say for sure, because he's such a self-centered jerk. It's
far easier to relate to the Doro, the neglected girlfriend, or Norbert,
the lonely gay man, but neither comes close to matching Axel for screen
time. MAYBE...MAYBE NOT is his film, but he's the least likable person
in it. It's tough to enjoy a movie like this -- especially one that's
supposed to be a comedy -- when you have to work not to hate the main
character.
Most of the genuinely funny moments arise out of familiar comic
setups: the stranger hiding in the closet, a case of mistaken identity,
and someone arriving home earlier than expected. Although there are
laughs to be had from each of these situations, it's easy (bordering on
cheap) humor. More interesting are Wortmann's sly observations of how
the homosexual culture stereotypes the heterosexual one. Too often,
however, the jokes fall flat. It doesn't take much insight to identify
the numerous failed attempts at humor.
The acting is good, even if character development is weak. Outside
of the main trio, we're given a raft of types, including a drag queen
(Rufus Beck) who makes the population of STONEWALL seem that much more
real, and a nymphomaniac (Antonia Lang) who's every heterosexual male's
dream. MAYBE...MAYBE NOT certainly has good intentions, but, as every
movie-goer knows, that's only a starting point. This film does little
to build on its foundation. When it comes to seeing this movie, "maybe
not" seems the best advice.
- James Berardinelli
e-mail: berardin@bc.cybernex.net
ReelViews web site: http://www.cybernex.net/~berardin