Measuring the World (2012)
"Die Vermessung der Welt" (original title)

Germany in the early 19th century. "Die Vermessung der Welt" follows the two brilliant and eccentric scientists Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Friedrich Gauss on their life paths.

Director:

Detlev Buck

Writers:

Detlev Buck (screenplay), Daniel Kehlmann (novel),

Stars:

David Kross, Florian David Fitz, Vicky Krieps

2 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
David Kross	...	Eugen Gauß
Florian David Fitz	...	Carl Friedrich Gauß
Vicky Krieps	...	Johanna Gauss
Karl Markovics	...	Lehrer Büttner
Jérémy Kapone	...	Bonpland
Àlex Brendemühl	...	Pater Zea
Detlev Buck	...	wütender Mann
Katharina Thalbach	...	Mutter Gauß
Leander Haußmann	...	Naturforscher
Georg Friedrich	...	Sklavenhändler
Johannes Zeiler	...	Gendarmeriekommandant Vogt
Anna Unterberger	...	Minna
Anastasiia Kyryliuk	...	Nina
Albrecht Schuch	...	Alexander von Humboldt
Michael Maertens	...	Herzog

Storyline

Germany in the early 19th century. "Die Vermessung der Welt" follows the two brilliant and eccentric scientists Alexander von Humboldt and Carl Friedrich Gauss on their life paths.

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Plot Keywords:

science | mathematics | male frontal nudity | based on book

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Germany

Language:

German

Release Date:

25 October 2012 (Germany)

Also Known As:

Measuring the World

Filming Locations:

Berlin, Germany

Box Office

Budget:

€10,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Boje Buck Produktion, Lotus Film, A Company Filmproduktionsgesellschaft

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

It's a long way to the (mountain-) top

This is based on a successful novel that contrasts the life of two eminent scientists, of the mathematician and founder of numbers theory, CF Gauss and the adventurer and explorer of South America (and the rest of the world) Alexander von Humboldt. They come from the same locale (Brunswick in Germany) and are about the same age, but Gauss rises from poverty whereas Humboldt is privileged. And whereas Gauss doesn't like to leave his office and rarely travels, Humboldt does practically nothing but to travel.

The original novel (which I haven't read) was apparently completely rewritten (by the author himself) for the script. The film is lavish and opulent and bears the characteristic sarcasm of its director, Detlev Buck. The duke of Brunswick, for example, is portrayed as a well- meaning nitwit who can't remotely grasp what young Gauss is on about, whereas Gauss is portrayed as a nerd and an eccentric. The movie is entertaining, but almost a bit too opulent for my taste. As always, I hope that it will inspire its viewers to pick up the biographies.