After directing his first ten films in just two years, German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder discovered the Hollywood melodramas of German emigre Douglas Sirk. Inspired by Sirk’s ability to weave melodrama, social criticism, and irony within a mainstream context, Fassbinder spent the next five years making films that used melodrama to critique contemporary German society. A key film from this period, Fassbinder’s 1974 film ALI: FEAR EATS THE SOUL explores oppression and exploitation in terms of race in the 1970s through formal interventions that both build on and transform Sirk’s approach to melodrama in the Hollywood system.
This class will discuss Fassbinder’s film in the context of his place in German cinema and his relationship to Sirk, alongside the social and personal issues addressed in the film. Given its specific referencing of the plot from Douglas Sirk’s ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, students are suggested (but not required) to watch it prior to class.
Guest MMU Instructor Jordan Sudermann will teach this class. Jordan teaches IB Film and various social science courses at Lincoln High School. His interests in film include post-war European art cinema, East Asian cinemas, and queer cinemas.
The film will be screened at the Movie Madness Miniplex, followed by an instructor-led discussion.
Class size will be limited to 18.
Questions? Email us at education@moviemadness.org
This class will discuss Fassbinder’s film in the context of his place in German cinema and his relationship to Sirk, alongside the social and personal issues addressed in the film. Given its specific referencing of the plot from Douglas Sirk’s ALL THAT HEAVEN ALLOWS, students are suggested (but not required) to watch it prior to class.
Guest MMU Instructor Jordan Sudermann will teach this class. Jordan teaches IB Film and various social science courses at Lincoln High School. His interests in film include post-war European art cinema, East Asian cinemas, and queer cinemas.
The film will be screened at the Movie Madness Miniplex, followed by an instructor-led discussion.
Class size will be limited to 18.
Questions? Email us at education@moviemadness.org
In general, the Hollywood Theatre does not provide content advisories about the subject matter shown in our theatre. Films exhibited don’t necessarily reflect the views of the Hollywood Theatre. Information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media and DoesTheDogDie.com.