Hysteria

"Hysteria" is a German film about some hubbub which occurs when a Koran is burned during the filming of a movie. Some of the Muslim extras are incenses about this...others, not so much. However, it appears as if some folks are so upset about the burning that they're out to stop the movie at all costs...and soon folks start accusing each other.

This film is very good but has a couple problem areas. First, the leading character, Elif, makes some dumb choices and EASILY could have rectified the problems it created...but for some inexplicable reasons, she doesn't. Second, the ending is handled poorly. At about ten minutes before the ending, everything seems wrapped up and explained...yet the film goes on an offers alternative explanations which aren't necessary because everything WAS already explained. It's as if the filmmakers forgot they explained the mess....and kept going. It's a shame, as the movie is wonderful because it really gets you to think...and after the film ended, quite a few film festival patrons were talking about it...much more than other films at the Philly Film Fest.