A disgraced chancellor, a dictator's bestie, and one very awkward birthday party.
Gerhard Schröder has always been a polarizing figure. Even on the occasion of the former Chancellor's 80th birthday, Germany continues to grapple with him. The Social Democrat remains steadfast in his friendship with Vladimir Putin, despite Russia's war against Ukraine. Schröder also refuses to relinquish his position at Nord Stream 2 AG. As a result, his entire political legacy is in question. In the documentary, reporter Lucas Stratmann confronts former Chancellor Schröder with the criticism and accompanies him from Hanover to China.
Direction
Stratmann's patient, damning presence — he lets Schröder hang himself.
Editing
Juxtaposing birthday well-wishers with war footage is brutal.
Director
Lucas Stratmann
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Schröder's infamous 'Putin-Versteher' stance has become shorthand in German politics for naive authoritarian sympathy — this doc cements the archetype.
The title's German pun — 'Außer Dienst' means both 'out of service' and 'retired' — perfectly captures Schröder's refusal to exit the stage.
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