Austrian singer and blues guitarist Al Cook stars in the new film The Loneliest Man in Town, which premiered in the competition lineup of the Berlin International Film Festival on February 19, 2024. Directed by Tizza Covi and Rainer Frimmel, this docu-fiction portrays Cook in a fictionalized version of himself, grappling with personal loss and change.
The film centers on Cook’s character, who lives in Vienna, surrounded by memories of a life once vibrant. His apartment serves as a shrine to the past, filled with books, vinyl records, and videotapes. The synopsis notes, “Here, time seems to stand still while, beyond these four walls, the world has moved on.” The blues music that Cook cherishes is fading into obscurity, mirroring the loneliness he feels after the death of his beloved wife, Silvia.
The narrative intensifies when a ruthless real estate company targets his home for demolition. This act strips Cook of his sanctuary, forcing him to confront the ruins of his life. As he begins to lose his treasured possessions one by one, he faces a profound question: “How do you move forward when memories are all you have left?” Ultimately, Cook embarks on a radical new beginning, symbolizing resilience in the face of total loss.
Produced by Vento Film, the film features a notable cast, including Brigitte Meduna, Alfred Blechinger, and Flurina Schneider. Covi and Frimmel not only directed the film but also handled casting, with Covi penning the script and Frimmel overseeing the cinematography. The editing was a collaborative effort between Covi and Emily Artmann.
Stadtkino will distribute The Loneliest Man in Town in Austria, with international sales handled by Be For Films. Distribution deals are also underway for other territories, with Kmbo acquiring the film for France and Xenix Filmdistribution for Switzerland. Other agreements have been made with A-One Films for the Baltics and New Cinema for Israel.
Covi and Frimmel found inspiration in Cook’s story, noting his dedication to authenticity in his music. “What fascinated us was that this talented blues guitarist performs in very small venues sometimes, and at other times on a much larger scale – always refusing to compromise about his musical vision,” Frimmel stated in press notes. Covi remarked on the challenges of working with an independent artist like Cook, who was initially cautious about the project. She explained, “We tried to convey to him that, to a certain extent, he would be a protagonist playing himself, but he would also be a role model for a lot of other people who are in similar situations.”
The film offers a poignant exploration of identity, loss, and the struggle to maintain one’s artistic vision amidst life’s uncertainties. As audiences at the Berlin International Film Festival experience The Loneliest Man in Town, they are invited to reflect on their own connections to memory and music.
