Lola: BRD

"Most Creative Use of Lighting." ▲

Rainer Werner Fassbinder: one of those directors that all other directors envy. He formed a tight-knit community eager to do his bidding, worked on a shoe-string budget, could play any role in the filming process, and even edited his films as he shot, cutting the entire process down to an astounding four weeks. In his fourteen years as a director he directed more than 40 films, and participated in dozens of others. His breakneck speed through filmmaking left a wake in the film world that has yet to settle. I highly recommend his films (while simultaneously admitting that they are usually offensive. that's just the way he liked it, too.). The BRD Trilogy in particular covers a period of German history that you won't see in almost any other medium; the post WWII years.

Lola is a prostitute in 1957 Germany. Petty politics and personal ambition fuel the plot which I won't bother revealing. The lighting is fantastic! Orgasmic. Overwhelming. Nobody has used light this way before or since. It's worth the trip just to see the lights. It's like a Christmas tree decorated with prostitutes and petty government officials. You'll love it! Criterion has crammed the disc with commentaries, and interviews with Barbara Sukowa and the screenwriter.

Favorite Moments: Conversations in the men's room, song in church, a new suit, lighting throughout.