Watch Slumming

Slumming, a 2006 Austrian film, directed by Michael Glawogger, is a complex, edgy and emotionally packed drama, that revolves around the lives of two troubled men — Sebastian (August Diehl), a rich, rude, self-destructive and haughty young man, who seems to be suffering from a severe case of existential crisis and Alexander (Paulus Manker) a middle-aged, lonely, and depressed, social misfit who as a painter, spends his time in a studio producing bizarre and sometimes morbid art. These two characters who seemingly have nothing in common find themselves drawn to each other, in their respective quests for validation and meaning in their lives.

The film opens with Sebastian, bored and disconnected from life, embarking on a series of risky, reckless and sometimes cruel escapades, such as robbing a bank and indulging in dangerous sexual pursuits. In one of these outings, he meets a suicidal girl, Pia (Eva Billisich), whom he saves from taking her own life. Pia, being a member of a renowned self-help group in Vienna, introduces Sebastian to Alexander, as part of her efforts to help Sebastian take control of his life.

Alexander, being a member of a support group for individuals who struggle with loneliness, welcomes Sebastian's curiosity and interest in his life, inviting him to his studio, which is located in one of the poorest districts of Vienna, that is plagued with crime, drugs and prostitution. Here, Sebastian finds himself exposed to a completely different world from the one he is used to, a world full of pain and suffering, but also warmth, honesty, and a newfound humanity, which he has never experienced before.

As Sebastian and Alexander's worlds collide, the film explores themes of identity, class, gender, loneliness, and the complexities of human relationships, as each of them tries to understand the other's life, and find some semblance of meaning and purpose in their own. As they embark on a journey of self-discovery, they encounter a range of colorful characters, such as Max (Michael Ostrowski), who is Alexander's friend and a high-spirited hustler that would do just anything to look after his sister, Rosi, a charming young prostitute.

At the heart of the film lies the intense and often fragile relationship between Sebastian and Alexander, where each man serves as a mirror to the other, reflecting the different realities of their lives. Their relationship often swings between moments of powerful and honest communication, to instances of confusion, mistrust, and even violence. The relationship between Sebastian and Pia, as well as between Max and Rosi, also mirror that of Sebastian and Alexander, which highlights the film's core message, which is that love and companionship are vital for human survival.

The film's setting in the backstreets of Vienna, where Alexander and Max live, provides a startling contrast to the affluent and ostentatious lifestyles of characters such as Sebastian. It is in this gritty and desolate world that the film finds its authenticity, as the characters navigate the harsh realities of their surroundings, struggling to keep alive in a world that they do not always understand. The use of hand-held cameras and erratic camera angles, adds to the rawness and energy of the film, elevating the themes and plot and making it an experience rather than just a narrative.

Slumming, with its forceful depiction of human nature, its sharp script and its evocative cinematography, is a complex and deeply satisfying film. Its exploration of love, humanity, and the search for identity is both profound and intimate and it makes for a timeless piece of cinema. The characters genuinely come to life, each actor providing a brilliant performance bringing their roles to life with heightened authenticity. In its own way, Slumming is a fantastic, gritty, honest and thought-provoking movie that keeps you engaged right from the start as you find yourself rooting for the characters, wishing for a happy ending for everyone.