"But I haven't watched these two films yet (not really interested) so I probably shouldn't open my mouth too wide."

Good choice!

"Nevertheless i thought Hirschbiegel's "The Experiment" (2000) to be a very good "commercial" effort."

Agreed. And if it had avoided the genre cliches during the later stages, it would've been much more penetrating. Not surprisingly, Hirschbiegel is currently working on a Hollywood production, though one starring Nicole Kidman.

"What I find most troubling, is the lack of interest among critics for films by Schanelec, Khler and company. This year the attitude seems to have changed a bit, but I'm not sure this will last (Griesebach's "Longing" for example received mostly glowing reviews)."

Longing has appeared on numerous international top ten lists. I look forward to watching it.