This will have flown under the radar for most of its intended audience being such a small film. While there are a few UK based movies about clubbing such as Beats, Human Traffic etc, Berlin Calling seems to be relatively unknown within clubbing circles.
This is likely down to this being a German language film with a limited release, the other issue however is that it deals with the consequences of drug use in the clubbing scene. This will likely put alot of clubbers off as many who engage with the drug side of thing either do not wish to be reminded of the risks of they simply dismiss them as being establishment lies. Unfortunately for that section of the clubbing and drugs scene the risks and consequences are impossible to ignore in this movie.
The plot is quite straightforward, DJ Ikarus (a pretty unsubtle name considering the plot, but there you go), is also a producer who has completed his new album. However due to his indulgences he experiences a psychotic episode and ends up under supervision in a psychiatric ward. This puts a strain on his relationships with his partner and the record label boss funding his release. Its basically a German One Flew Over The Cuckoos Next for the techno generation.
It actually has alot to say about the risks of permanent mental health outcomes related to drug use in the clubbing scene. The depiction of the drugs casualties is pretty accurate, as is the psychiatric ward and the patients response to psychiatric medication (they are happy to take recreational drugs just not actual medication).
Its engaging and well shot as well as being fairly realistic of the music scene. Apart from the very small circle the DJ seems to have, as the business is basically built on relationships.
The music was also quite a let down, its very bland and any producer can tell you its underproduced and sparse.
The other elephant in the room is why there doesn't seem to be any real life DJs in the movie? That is pretty much a requirement, also having real scene people involved may have improved the score/soundtrack.
This is quite a serious film about music, drugs and mental health which is maybe not what clubbers wish to see. The overall tone is also quite low or depressing as the DJ veers from one self inflicted crisis to the next. So dont pick this as a party vibe movie, its message is quite clear even if its not one many are not willing to hear.
This is likely down to this being a German language film with a limited release, the other issue however is that it deals with the consequences of drug use in the clubbing scene. This will likely put alot of clubbers off as many who engage with the drug side of thing either do not wish to be reminded of the risks of they simply dismiss them as being establishment lies. Unfortunately for that section of the clubbing and drugs scene the risks and consequences are impossible to ignore in this movie.
The plot is quite straightforward, DJ Ikarus (a pretty unsubtle name considering the plot, but there you go), is also a producer who has completed his new album. However due to his indulgences he experiences a psychotic episode and ends up under supervision in a psychiatric ward. This puts a strain on his relationships with his partner and the record label boss funding his release. Its basically a German One Flew Over The Cuckoos Next for the techno generation.
It actually has alot to say about the risks of permanent mental health outcomes related to drug use in the clubbing scene. The depiction of the drugs casualties is pretty accurate, as is the psychiatric ward and the patients response to psychiatric medication (they are happy to take recreational drugs just not actual medication).
Its engaging and well shot as well as being fairly realistic of the music scene. Apart from the very small circle the DJ seems to have, as the business is basically built on relationships.
The music was also quite a let down, its very bland and any producer can tell you its underproduced and sparse.
The other elephant in the room is why there doesn't seem to be any real life DJs in the movie? That is pretty much a requirement, also having real scene people involved may have improved the score/soundtrack.
This is quite a serious film about music, drugs and mental health which is maybe not what clubbers wish to see. The overall tone is also quite low or depressing as the DJ veers from one self inflicted crisis to the next. So dont pick this as a party vibe movie, its message is quite clear even if its not one many are not willing to hear.