The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant [Blu-ray]

Prolific German director, "Das Wunderkind " Rainer Werner Fassbinder's brilliant, and perhaps most direct exploration of two of his most common themes: loneliness and the power struggle inherent in romantic relationships. The cynical melodramatic parable of a rich, needy fashion designer, her thankless servile assistant, and the seemingly naive young woman she takes under wing as a romantic interest. Very theatrical- basically a three woman play that takes place entirely in an ultra-chic 1970's apartment flat (you can't help but marvel at the white shag carpet and the huge baroque painting that dominate the scenery). This intelligent and cool film doesn't shy from the idea of a financially independent lesbian (bold for a film at it's time), and certainly does not shy from the unpleasant sniping and emotional breakdowns that lead to the poignant ending. The cast, direction, art design, costumes, and memorable use of symbolism (the numerous dolls and mannequins, wig changes, and the China tea set etc.) are all excellent. The real genius is in Michael Ballhaus' amazing cinematography. Lush with vivid colors, and having the camera float throughout the room and creates an atmosphere of claustrophobia without the camera ever feeling confined. This Criterion Blu ray looks great and contains several documentaries and interviews (one is dedicated to the photography). My favourite Fassbinder film (so far, anyway) and reminiscent of an Ingmar Bergman film meets Hollywood melodrama. Similar in theme to Fassbinder's superb, more cinematic, Fox and His Friends, and Ali- Fear Eats The Soul. For fans of the director the epic Berlin Alexanderplatz and the groundbreaking sci-fi saga World On A Wire are also highly recommended.

Fassbinder gives us unique concepts in this movie: an all female cast shot almost entirely in the title role's bedroom. One of the main characters is completely non-speaking to boot! I found myself mesmerized by the script, written by Fassbinder himself, especially for the first half of the movie and even admired von Kant for her wisdom. Later on, however, von Kant starts drinking and looses much of her lucidity.Remember this movie for the costumes, the music, and the lipsticks!

I was unprepared for a movie that transpired completely in an apartment. Yet, the film was well done and was psychologically and emotionally dramatic. The English subtitles were good.

THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT (1972) "Love is colder than death" (Other Fassbinder's early films from 1969), could be one of the epigraph of this movie. That show us that doesn't matter what sexual orientation are you directed to, love wasn't and easy task to live in. Petra van Kant (Margit Castersen) is a Diva in fashion designer, a selfish narcissistic personality. She has a secretary and co-designer, Marlene (Irm Hermenn) that was also his lover, now is more a sado - masoquistic relationship, in the psychological arena. A beautiful girl that what to be a model was introduced by a friend. Karin a 23 years old (Hanna Shygulla), that did not know how to do really in life but to live in a parasitic way, using what mother nature gave to her. Interestingly Marlene did not speak during the movie. She accepts her peripheral situation because she did need to decided about nothing. Except when Petra changed the way of dealing with her, after Karin dumped her. Then Marlene could not stand that and runaway from Petra's home. The desire and power, was a central issue in the film, and a gigantic painting in the wall address that: "Midas and Bacchus". Petra was born with a kind of gift for fashion design, but that is not enough for to be happy, Midas is asking for advice to a nude Baccus. So to be rich and famous it is not a receipt for happiness, a pleasure godess may have some other approach, as we will learn watching this drama. This movie with his theatrical design and shooting, is a careful study about three female personalities, so Reinner displayed what he knew better about everything: The women soul.

Great film, beautiful german ladies and excellent acting

It would probably interest more those who are interested in lesbianism. The performances are great, the colors exceptionally bright, and the acting superb, as can be expected in a Fassbinder movie.

Fassbinder's best, probably? If you like the bitter battle of women together, you'll have a ball with this. Fassbinder really understands women's motivations. The color, the dialogue pits against your senses. The animal cruelty staggering.Great transfer. Not for the fainthearted.

Tedious, unsympathetic characters yak themselves into oblivion in front of a static camera. May have seemed cutting edge a long, long time ago. Recommended for insomniacs.

This early 1970s film by German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder is loosely based on the Bette Davis classic, All About Eve. All of the action takes place in the apartment of successful fashion designer, Petra, which she shares with her long suffering assistant, Marlene. The film focuses on the relationship that develops between Petra and Hanna, a beautiful young woman who embarques on a modelling career with Petra's help.Although viewing is sometimes uncomfortable one is drawn in by the film's unflinching analysis of the changing balance of power in this relationship. Margit Carstensen is wonderful as Petra, whose mood alters as frequently as the various flamboyant designs and wigs that she wears. However the presence of the silent and much abused Marlene (Irm Hermann) who "hears everything, sees everything and knows everything" is always apparent and this adds to the tension as the drama unfolds.The cinematography is excellent - shots are skilfully framed to comment on the action, sometimes incorporating the huge Baroque mural in the bedroom or fixtures such as wooden beams. At other times the women are photographed as if in tribute to Ingmar Bergman's intimate chamber works such as Persona.Although The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant is perhaps not the best place to begin watching Fassbinder's films it is one of his most successful creations and repeated viewings can be rewarding. However, for an introduction to Fassbinder I would suggest watching The Marriage of Maria Braun.

Depressing but a reality

all good

Everything about this film is beautiful, especially the cinematography. The framing, positioning of people, dolls and mannequins, everything is breathtaking.

Bon suivi d'Amazon -film moyen ce n'est pas le meilleur Fassbinder