Where was The Affair filmed?
2019
City Locations
Brno (Czech Republic)
Location Types
Mansion, Modern
Location Styles
Modern Building, Contemporary Modern, Industrial, Foreign
About The Affair
Rediscover the compelling allure of cinema with The Affair, an unforgettable 2019 Czech drama film directed by the accomplished Julius Ševčík and starring actors such as Hanna Alström, the versatile Karel Roden, and Carice van Houten, who needs no introduction. The movie is an intriguing interpretation of Simon Mawer's novel, The Glass Room; it transports us to the 1930s in Czechoslovakia, offering a fresh perspective on a fictitious house, which draws its inspiration from the legendary Villa Tugendhat designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.
In the heart of the narrative, wealthy newlyweds Liesel (Hanna Alström) and Viktor (Claes Bang) commission the legendary architect Rainer von Abt (Karel Roden) to design their new home, sparking intrigue and conversation across society. The film unravels the intricacies of human emotions as it delves into the lives of Liesel and Viktor and their interactions with friends and lovers against the rising tensions of an imminent Nazi invasion.
The Affair garnered significant attention during the 2019 Czech Lion Awards; the film's awe-inspiring cinematography, immersive stage design, flawless makeup and hairstyling, and mesmerizing costumes were all nominated for awards. The musical score and sound design were also recognized for their notable contributions — all testament to the film's astounding attention to detail and the collaborative talent involved.
This remarkable picture paints a beautiful yet turbulent picture of love, sexuality, and societal norms set against the backdrop of a culturally rich and historically significant era. The Affair is sure to captivate and leave you contemplating long after the credits roll.
The Affair Locations
The Affair (2019) is a cinematic masterpiece that brings to life the story of a fictional house inspired by the iconic Villa Tugendhat in Brno. The film was primarily shot in this villa, an outstanding representation of modernist architecture conceived by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and finished in 1930. The majority of the scenes use the city of Brno as their setting, a place renowned for its modernist structures, offering a mesmerizing fusion of historical allure and modern sophistication.
The Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to Van der Rohe's architectural genius; its sleek design and functional aesthetics beautifully complement the narrative of the movie. Moreover, the film features autochthonous performers who re-dubbed their own voices, while leading ladies Carice van Houten and Hanna Alström were dubbed by renowned Czech actresses Anna Geislerová and Katerina Winterová, adding an authentic touch to the movie.
Considering the cultural and architectural significance of Brno and the Villa Tugendhat, a trip to these locations would indeed be worthwhile. Not only would it provide a first-hand experience of the stunning setting of The Affair, but it would also offer an opportunity to explore the rich history and architectural splendor of Brno. The movie was shot in English but was released in Czechia with a Czech dubbing before the rest of the world, further enhancing the allure of visiting the country of origin of this compelling story.
Liesel and Viktor invited Rainer von Abt to build a new residence scene in The Affair
Villa Tugendhat, Černopolní 45, 613 00 Brno, Czechia
Liesel (Hanna Alström) and Viktor (Claes Bang), a wealthy newlywed couple, commissioned the renowned architect Rainer von Abt (Karel Roden) to build a home that quickly became an architectural sensation in 1930s Czechoslovakia. Amidst this, Liesel's friend Hana (Carice van Houten) has romantic affection for her, while Viktor is discovered in an illicit affair with their nanny, Kata (Alexandra Borbély).
The narrative unfolds within the walls of a house that is a fictional representation of the iconic Villa Tugendhat in Brno. This architectural marvel, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Lilly Reich, served as a home for Fritz Tugendhat and his wife Greta, prominent members of the affluent Jewish Czech Tugendhat family. Constructed between 1928 and 1930, it quickly became an emblem of modern architecture due to its innovative use of space and industrial building materials. In 2001, the villa was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Today, the City of Brno oversees the administration and maintenance of the Villa Tugendhat, ensuring its preservation and promotion. The villa is open to the public for guided tours and serves as a venue for various cultural events.
You can catch a bus or train from Prague or other major cities to Brno to visit this architectural gem. From the Brno –Tuřany Airport, it's a 30-minute ride to the city center. Once in Brno, you can easily reach Villa Tugendhat using local transportation or on foot near the city center.
Liesel and Viktor leave their house scene in The Affair
Brno, Czechia
Liesel (Hanna Alström) and Viktor (Claes Bang), on the brink of the Nazi invasion, are forced to escape to neutral Switzerland with their two children. This decision precipitates a profound realization for Liesel, who starts to miss her friend and acknowledges that her feelings are more than friendly.
This emotionally charged scene is set against the backdrop of Brno, a city known for its rich history and architectural heritage. The filming location, steeped in history and culture, adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.
Brno, where much of the film was shot, is a city filled with historical landmarks and places of interest. Two hills dominate the city center — Petrov Hill, home to the majestic Cathedral of St Peter and Paul, and Špilberk Hill, where the city’s renowned castle stands, housing a museum and castmates.
To visit these iconic locations in Brno, start at the city center; the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul on Petrov Hill is easily accessible and offers breathtaking city views. From there, go to Špilberk Hill, where you can explore the famous castle and its museum. Don't forget also to visit the Church of St James and the Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady, both significant historical religious sites in the city.
Numerous bus operators provide service from Prague to Brno. Alternatively, trains from Prague or other large cities are also an option. Brno–Tuřany Airport is another transportation hub, and from there, you can reach the city center in approximately 30 minutes.
Conclusion
The Affair is a visually striking film that, while beautifully shot, struggles to deliver on the narrative front. The movie is predominantly set and filmed in the Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Brno, Czech Republic, which almost becomes a character due to the sheer amount of screen time it commands. The villa, an icon of modernism, was built in the late 1920s and serves as the inspiration for the house in the film and the novel The Glass Room on which the film is based.
Yet, despite the stunning setting, the film falls short in terms of its script and character development. The plot details are sparingly revealed, creating a sense of disconnect with the narrative. The performances by the actors, while commendable, are overshadowed by the heavy emphasis on the aesthetics of the film. The cinematography, led by Martin Strba, often prioritizes the visual appeal of the sets over the depth of the characters' emotions.
Moreover, the music score by Antoni Lazarkiewicz and Rupert Vokmann, while impressive, fails to align with the emotional beats of the film, further detracting from the overall impact. The film's attempt at exploring sensuality also leaves much to be desired, with scenes that are intended to be erotic ending up feeling forced and unconvincing.
Despite these shortcomings, The Affair does contribute to the Czech film industry by showcasing the potential of architecture as a storytelling device. Its extensive use of the Villa Tugendhat as a filming location adds a unique dimension to the cinematic experience.
The Affair is a mixed bag; while it offers a visually appealing journey through the iconic Villa Tugendhat and the city of Brno, it fails to deliver a compelling narrative and well-developed characters. If you're a fan of architectural beauty and can appreciate a film for its visual aesthetics, The Affair might be worth a watch.