Country of Origin: Germany
Perhaps director Rainer Werner Fassbinder's most lauded film, "Fear Eats the Soul" is also notable for being one of the key films of the New German Wave, which was headed by Werner Herzog, Wim Wenders, and, of course, Fassbinder. "Fear Eats the Soul" is perhaps most famous for its impressive handling of interracial relationships in working class Germany; but, other than the film's touching and insightful approach to an otherwise touchy issue, "Fear Eats the Soul" has the distinction of possessing an incredible presence of mise en scene, which clearly evokes the work of Hollywood melodramatist Douglas Sirk. Created in the middle of what was perhaps the most prolific directing career in cinema, the film is all the more remarkable for the brisk shooting schedule with which Fassbinder conducted all his productions. Surprisingly, given the relatively low budget, the film's stars are tremendously effective in drawing an emotional bond with the audience; the brazen and broken speech with which Ali speaks is particularly affecting.
While it can be argued that Fassbinder had greater achievements with "The Marriage of Maria Braun" and his fifteen-and-a-half hour long mini-series "Berlin Alexanderplatz," "Fear Eats the Soul" remains a surprisingly warm film from a director who was known for his cold and displeasing demeanor. Although I've often been drawn to the surreal imagery of Herzog's shot-on-location dramas such as "Aguirre, the Wrath of God" (perhaps my favourite film) and "Stroszek," I'm becoming increasingly fascinated by Fassbinder's diverse canon of films and his masterful use of mise en scene. For those unfamiliar with German cinema, the work of the said directors must be seen.
- Kurtis
2 comments:
Another film which is a great homage to Douglas Sirk films is 'Far from Heaven'
This movie's use of mise en scene is amazing, and if it weren't for the content it could be seen as just another melodrama. I think you might like it, if you haven't seen it.
"Far From Heaven" is certainly one of the better films of the present decade -- director Todd Haynes has a keen eye for tailoring subject matter to suit the central theme in his work -- alienation -- and, in doing so, has certainly maintained a consistent and admirable personal signature (which in critical terms, would indicate the title of auteur, although he probably would need to establish a larger body of work). As a figure in the pronounced New Queer Cinema, Haynes takes a more universal approach to same sex relationships in his focus on alienation -- just as one of his other directorial inspirations (other than Sirk, as you've wisely noted) Nicholas Ray, who is most known for his work in "Rebel Without a Cause." If you enjoyed "Far From Heaven," I'd highly recommend Haynes most allegorical work and, perhaps, strongest film, "Safe."
-Kurtis
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