Review of Katzelmacher (1969) by Chad T — 21 Apr 2008

I like the line of Hanna Schygulla's character when she tells the Greek guest worker: "I know you can't speak. That's why I love you." When taken in the context of all the other characters we've met in this film--a microcosm of all that's venal, petty, and toxic in Fassbinder's New Germany--it certainly resonates pretty strongly.

This is quite a remarkable early film, and it would be interesting as a double feature with Ali: Fear Eats the Soul--a film with somewhat similar themes, but via Sirk rather than Brecht. Check it out some Sunday afternoon.