Written and directed by Andrew Birkin, the British-German drama Burning Secret (1988) offers a story within a story that goes beyond the obvious in conveying its meaning. It makes entertainment an exercise on the psychology treadmill.
Set in Austria in 1919, the movie shows the socio-psychological journey of the twelve-year-old Edmund (David Eberts), the son of an American diplomat, who suffers from asthma. When his caring mother Sonya (Faye Dunaway) takes him to a spa resort for healing, Edmund befriends Baron Alexander von Hauenstein (Klaus Maria Brandauer) there. The man becomes a magnet for the boy’s attention but things take a heartbreaking turn for the young soul when the Baron starts an affair with Sonya. A complex play of emotions ensues, wrapping the trio in a drama that builds up to the breaking point of Edmund, which would at the same time be his making point.
Burning Secret makes the invisible transformation of a person in making visible on the screen. The visual storytelling foundation of moviemaking appears solid and see-through in this allegory of a young boy taking his landmark steps into manhood. From a child wearing his heart on his sleeve to a young man speaking for himself and for what happened away from home, Edmund represents everyboy’s journey in a cinematically beautiful setting.
Hans Zimmer’s haunting score as the background music creates the ambience for the emotional thread in the drama.
The due appreciation of Burning Secret relies on unwrapping the allegory from the plot. Birkin knew his audience when he took up this task and it goes beyond time and geography. This movie will remain relevant for ages to come.
