The experimental short film “Alzheimer” by Constantin Müller, which explores the discovery of the disease of the same name, has been named “Short Film of the Month” by the Film Rating Board. Back in April, the film—which was produced during the 2014–15 winter semester as part of the Media Design program at Mainz University of Applied Sciences—had already been awarded the rating “Particularly Valuable.”
Auguste Deter was admitted to a clinic in Frankfurt am Main in 1901. She was confused, could no longer remember much of her life, mistook everyday objects for one another, and, in her own words, felt as if she were “lost.” No one at the clinic knew how to deal with Auguste Deter and her illness—until a doctor took over her care and asked her precisely the questions that ultimately led to the diagnosis. The doctor’s name: Dr. Alois Alzheimer.
“In his experimental film, Constantin Müller skillfully blends documentary and fictional elements. Footage of Auguste Deter and transcripts of conversations are shown, interspersed with staged childhood memories. Through these often dreamlike impressions and visual metaphors, Müller provides the viewer with an emotional connection to the historical document without detracting from the subject’s significance or the gravity of the situation. The result, in just four minutes, is a deeply intense, moving, and informative exploration of the disease and the person who may not have been the first to suffer from it—but whose suffering was given a name for the very first time.” ( From the jury’s statement)
Film Information
Genre: Experimental film; Short film
Director: Constantin Müller
Cast: Franziska Werner; Henning Pidde; Sophie Metzner; Augustin Wegeler
Screenplay: Constantin Müller
Cinematography: Cedric Jankowski
Editing: Constantin Müller
Music: Alexandros Konstantaras
Running time: 4 minutes
Production: Mainz University of Applied Sciences
The film was created as part of the “Experimental Short Film” course taught by Daniel Seideneder, lecturer in media design.
