Imagine you were a young film-maker, who lived in Germany in the olden days, before the adoption of the Selectric typewriter. You had no budget. Your costumes had to come from attics and thrift stores. No CGI, no stunts, no special effects, no sets. About all you could afford is some make-up, wigs and fake beards. You could not even afford professional lighting, but you had an idea for a subtle scifi film. You were however, able to persuade a number of wealthy people that filming in their homes would bestow prestige. How could you get someone to fund the movie? You might make a prototype proof of concept picture, like a visual screenplay.
That would be this film. However, actually, it was 1973 and Rainer Werner Fassbinder had already made 21 films. West German TV funded it. Perhaps there is another explanation for the amateurishness.
To appreciate it, you really have to use your imagination to ignore the loud checked jackets and secretaries wearing dresses last worn by saloon dancers, and the absurd hairstyles.
It is in German. The voices are very clear. It is surprising how many individual words you can understand in German with hints from the sub titles. However, all other sound is muddy.
Actors mostly say things that don't seem to make any sense, or that are coherent but apparently irrelevant. The characters are just as puzzled as you about what is going on. The total effect though does create a complex alternate reality.
One thing the film explores, quite an issue for gay men, is the way the physical appearance of others has such a strong power over us.
The pace is slow. There is a lot of padding. Somebody might edit it down to make a more coherent film.
It is a clever film, but not an enjoyable one. I know Roger Ebert gave it 3 stars, but I found it very boring, but then I consider Last Year at Marienbad the worst film I have ever seen. So what do I know? I even think the Matrix is a much better realisation of a similar idea.
That would be this film. However, actually, it was 1973 and Rainer Werner Fassbinder had already made 21 films. West German TV funded it. Perhaps there is another explanation for the amateurishness.
To appreciate it, you really have to use your imagination to ignore the loud checked jackets and secretaries wearing dresses last worn by saloon dancers, and the absurd hairstyles.
It is in German. The voices are very clear. It is surprising how many individual words you can understand in German with hints from the sub titles. However, all other sound is muddy.
Actors mostly say things that don't seem to make any sense, or that are coherent but apparently irrelevant. The characters are just as puzzled as you about what is going on. The total effect though does create a complex alternate reality.
One thing the film explores, quite an issue for gay men, is the way the physical appearance of others has such a strong power over us.
The pace is slow. There is a lot of padding. Somebody might edit it down to make a more coherent film.
It is a clever film, but not an enjoyable one. I know Roger Ebert gave it 3 stars, but I found it very boring, but then I consider Last Year at Marienbad the worst film I have ever seen. So what do I know? I even think the Matrix is a much better realisation of a similar idea.