Voodoo Jürgens in “Rickerl”: You can’t get more Vienna than that

The Austrian film directed by Eva Sangiorgi is right at home at Viennale. The director celebrated its Austrian premiere at the International Film Festival in Vienna this year. Featured, among others, were Jessica Hausner’s stylized food drama “Club Zero”, which turns into a satire, the subtle critique of capitalism “Europe” directed by Soudabeh Mortezai, set in Albania, and the multiverse mystery thriller “Theory” from all over the world. Something.” – Co-produced by Tim Krueger.

Voodoo Jürgens’ home run in his first leading film role was eagerly awaited. With Rickerl director Adrian Goeginger (“Best of All Worlds”) ventures, frankly, as a spinoff of an Austropop number. The fictional character Rikerl comes from the song “Gitti” from the album “Ansa Woar” by Voodoo Jürgens. The message reads: “Now let’s smile for me because the little man is calling.” “You can’t get more from Vienna,” Goeginger said in broad Salzburgish on Friday evening in the Gartenbakenau. For him, too, this film may have been a lesson in Viennese language and the fluid local use of profanity.

“Rickerle” is an ode to obsessive, analogue, string music and, above all, life (survival) as a subsistence musician in the only big city in this country. Scenes were filmed in the cemetery, in the interesting shop, in Chocherlin, Beslen and Pems, as well as night and early morning strolls through the empty streets. Scene greats like Alex Miksch, the Kollegium Kalksburg or the band Stubnblues and of course Der Nino from Vienna make guest appearances.

Appreciative, never judgmental

Eric “Rickel” Bohacek (Vodo Jurgens) is a struggling musician, dreamer, and historical figure. As a professional gravedigger, he was fired without notice after a failed reburial. So back to AMS. He misses radio gigs, his ex-wife (Agnes Housman) left him for a short vacation, and he sees his son (Ben Winkler) every two weeks. When he ruins a trip, his son teaches him that he needs to get started.

“Rickle” has a lot of heart, grind, the best musicianship and no fear of an emotional overdose. Goiginger always highlights his characters’ longings, fears of loss, and dreams in an appreciative and never judgmental way. Through this loving relationship between father and son, he manages to create a drama that is as sympathetic and honest as possible, despite all the indignities. Voodoo Jürgens not only plays himself, but also portrays the character believably.

This is not the only cinematic encounter with Vodo Jürgens at the Viennale: in Sofia Exarko’s sober anti-holiday film “Animal”, the musician can already be seen in a guest role – a revealing one – as an Austrian tourist. The story is narrated by Kalia (sexy and Locarno Acting Award winner: Dimitra Flagopoulou), the queen of the animation team in the all-encompassing circus of the hellhole of a run-down Greek hotel. Dressed in a sparkling gold dress, she gives tourists beautiful, carefree hours every evening with sing-along numbers and entertains them with bingo or water ballet. Keeping others happy is a difficult task. Kalia’s smile froze. Voodoo Jürgens might offer her an alternative to the ordeal of animation; At least for one night.

In addition to the film “Animal”, the documentary “Vista Mare” by Julia Gottfeniger and Florian Koffler also focuses on mass tourism – in the upper part of the Adriatic Sea. The duo from South Tyrol accompany those who prepare everything for the mass influx: piling sand, cleaning the pools, and preparing the facility for the season. And later those who bounce in front of the guests on the trampoline. The seemingly surreal still paintings between the beach and the sink do not lack humor due to the changing appearance and constant repetition.