Wolfgang Petersen has created a tense psychological thriller around the game of chess in Black and White Like Day and Night. Bruno Ganz is featured in one of his best roles as the chess-obsessed Thomas Rosamund, described by Petersen as "an extreme egoist whose compulsion to be the champion is driving him into total isolation." A highlight of the film is the world championship match between the cramped, inarticulate genius and his opponent, a suave East European who enjoys life--especially women--as much as he enjoys chess.