Like moths to the light the autograph hunters flutter around the actors. Jasmin Tabataba is one of the first in the still almost empty foyer of the Delphi Filmpalast this Wednesday evening around 7 p.m. – and unfortunately she has to pass. She plays the prosecutor in Berlin’s “Tatort” and therefore came to the premiere of the latest crime thriller in the series, but didn’t have any autograph cards with her. “I’m very bad at this,” she says apologetically to an autograph hunter. “Are you coming out again?” asks their partner, who is waiting for the next celebrity.
Others are better prepared, one takes out a sturdy writing pad, has a felt-tip pen and a picture of the actress Anne Ratte-Polle. But actually everyone here is waiting for the stars.
The fans exchange information: Mark Waschke (he plays Inspector Robert Karow) has not yet been spotted in the filling foyer. “They’re doing interviews outside,” someone whispers, and the photo call is about to start. There is a platform for this. A dozen pieces of paper on the floor mark who can stand where. This later results in a half-hour storm of flashbulbs.
But there he is finally. A crowd quickly forms around the actor. He has a good mood and casual sayings: “That’s not me!”, Waschke shouts, referring to a photo – and signs one autograph card after the other. Where did they come from? Can you still buy them anywhere these days? “I printed it out myself,” the man reveals when asked and has to move on.
A friendly smiling diva
Because then she finally comes, like a friendly, smiling diva. Corinna Harfouch is the last to enter the foyer of the traditional cinema on Kantstrasse, which is now bursting at the seams. The crowd of autograph hunters around her is the largest that evening. That takes time. The schedule is in jeopardy, the new Berlin “Tatort” is actually supposed to start at 8:15 p.m., just like on television.
But until then, countless photos will be taken. Sometimes with, sometimes without screenwriter and director Mira Thiel. Sometimes the whole cast has to work, sometimes just the two stars. Of course, both of them also have to appear solo in front of the cameras. Waschke is a born poser and is constantly trying out new gestures. Harfouch takes a more subtle approach and yet is incredibly present. In her role as Susanne Bonard, she is now investigating for a sixth and final time – that makes this “crime scene” worth seeing special.
And finally, slightly late, the curtain rises. “It’s an extraordinary experience on the big screen,” agree those sitting next to you. RBB cinema expert Knut Elstermann moderates the evening and points out that please don’t tell the digital public anything about the new crime thriller that is currently running “Danger area” but only on February 1st on ARD and then in the media library.
A cheap wish, TV magazines saw the film on the ARD press portal weeks ago and published their review long ago. In the TV feature film For example, the “crime scene” is the tip of the day: “In their last case together, detectives Bonard and Karow are struggling with inner demons.”
A crime thriller in the world of preppers
That’s a good thing. The crime thriller delves, as much can be revealed, into the world of survivalists and preppers. A wolf is also spotted and there is a dead homeless man. And while Bonard actually ventures into the “wilderness” around the Teufelsberg, Karow pursues abysses (and his erotic desires) in the city center. The duo investigates alone, only to end up in each other’s arms.
After the credits, after long, benevolent applause, the protagonists gradually come onto the stage – a great moment. Knut Elstermann sometimes asks clever, sometimes strange questions. Corinna Harfouch, for example, tells how she learned to make a fire in the forest in preparation for filming – without a lighter.
Mark Waschke uses the podium to say goodbye to his film partner with an emotional and intelligent speech. How touching. And the great actress is also showered with praise from others. The honoree bows gallantly. There are flowers and lots of applause – what a farewell to her career as a TV commissioner. But, this is also often emphasized, we can continue to see them. Just no longer in the “Tatort”, but regularly on the stage German theater and now and then in Theater Ray.