Embrace the Absurd: Unpredictable Laughter from Germany
Challenging the Notion of German Humor with a Bold New Series
Germany, often not associated with a strong comedic tradition, is set to redefine its image with the introduction of “The Flaws.” Director Arne Feldhusen emphasizes the series' audacious nature, stating their indifference to conventional expectations. He highlights a past aversion to the term “black comedy” within Germany's entertainment landscape, yet expresses confidence in the audience's appetite for this particular brand of humor, which he and his team personally enjoy creating.
The Power of Physical Comedy and Uninhibited Expression
The show heavily relies on physical comedy, generating a cascade of amusing disarray. Feldhusen draws parallels to the legendary Peter Sellers, noting the difficulty and necessity of a fearless approach to such humor. He describes the cast as embodying a childlike freedom, unafraid to appear awkward or embarrassing, driven by the philosophy that “the show must go on,” even through moments of discomfort.
A Collaborative Spirit: The Genesis of “The Flaws”
“The Flaws” is the brainchild of the writing collective Das Manko Gbr, alongside Bastian Reiber and Arne Feldhusen. Reiber playfully recounts the initial formation of the collective, anticipating a high turnover rate among the eleven founding members. To his surprise, everyone remained, which he considers a positive indication of their collaborative success and shared vision for future projects.
The Ensemble Cast and the Importance of Creative Synergy
The series features a talented ensemble cast, including Julia Schubert, Jonas Hien, David Simon, Sebastian Grünewald, Carol Schuler, Jan Krauter, Annika Meier, Christoph Jöde, Florian Anderer, and Sarah Bauerett. Feldhusen, drawing from a valuable lesson learned from a previous producer, stresses the critical role of strong chemistry and mutual understanding among team members for long-term collaboration. This principle proved especially relevant for “The Flaws,” with Feldhusen having recently been recognized with a directing award at Series Mania's International Panorama.
Theatrical Roots and the Art of Coordinated Performance
Reiber credits the team's strong theatre backgrounds for fostering an environment of creative experimentation and risk-taking. Feldhusen further explains that the actors' theatrical training, particularly their experience with extensive rehearsals, was instrumental for the show's success. This background enabled them to achieve the precise synchronized movements essential for the comedic timing and visual impact of “The Flaws.”
Exploring Uncharted Comedic Territory and the Embrace of Risk
Despite his past experience in comedy, including work on “Stromberg” (the German adaptation of “The Office”), Feldhusen asserts that “The Flaws” ventures into new and unfamiliar comedic territory for most involved due to its distinctive aesthetic and humor. He acknowledges the inherent risk of creating such a unique show, questioning whether audiences will find it amusing, but expresses a strong desire for a second season, implying the potential for this innovative approach.
The Comedic Tragedy of Everyday Settings
Each episode of “The Flaws” unfolds as a self-contained narrative, typically set in mundane environments like offices, hospitals, or warehouses. These ordinary locales become backdrops for a group of inept employees undergoing a training program, who invariably cause mayhem. Reiber humorously notes how these seemingly hostile, man-made environments exert pressure on the characters, preventing them from being their authentic selves. He likens this dynamic to popular cartoons with predictable yet comforting formulas, where despite chaotic events, a sense of resolution is always anticipated. Feldhusen and Reiber echo Peter Sellers' comedic genius, where the expectation of something incredibly foolish is always met with an even more bizarre and hilarious reality, reinforcing their belief that effective comedy must defy predictability.
