Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant (1972)
Genre: Drama / Romance
Duration: 124 minuten
Alternative title: The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant
Country:
West Germany
Directed by: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Stars: Margit Carstensen, Hanna Schygulla and Irm Hermann
IMDb score:
7,5 (12.285)
Releasedate: 5 October 1972
Die Bitteren Tränen der Petra von Kant plot
"Sex is the ultimate weapon."
Petra von Kant is a successful fashion designer who, since her husband's death, has lived alone with her taciturn servile maid Marlene. Through her friend Sidonie she gets to know the much younger Karin, who has lived in Australia for a long time. Petra soon falls in love with Karin, and offers her a job as a fashion model and, since she has no place to live yet, invites her to move in with her.
Actors and actresses
Petra von Kant
Karin Thimm
Sidonie von Grasenabb
Gabriele von Kant
Valerie von Kant
Marlene
Reviews & comments
Dievegge
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- 3176 messages
- 8215 votes
It's a film adaptation of his own play, which is evident in the very limited space. Fassbinder nevertheless gave the room with the Poussin painting a sense of depth. The muscular, dynamic bodies in the background counterpoint the living bodies in the foreground. When these assume a more static pose, a fashion doll with a similar pose appears simultaneously. Like these dolls, Petra needs a wig to look presentable.
The well-written dialogues explore power in a relationship. Petra dominates Marlene, but is dominated by Karin. Karin, in her carelessness, is the only one who manages to achieve what she seeks. The actresses effectively capture the insatiable need for emotional fulfillment in this decadent milieu. Despite the all-female cast, Fassbinder appears briefly in a newspaper photo.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Fisico
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- 10039 messages
- 5398 votes
Cinematically and technically a strong film, but as a viewer, it's not always easy to maintain attention. Content-wise, the film certainly has something to offer as well. I don't know if "intriguing" and "boring" can be used in the same sentence, but it kind of captures the doubts I had after watching this film.
First and foremost, Petra is a captivating character. Margit Carstensen delivers a great performance, by the way. Personally, she's definitely not my favorite character, as she adopts a cold, commanding attitude toward her maid, Marlene. But that strong personality doesn't quite capture Petra's true feelings. Her relationship with Karin is captivating, with her need for attention, love, and emotional well-being that isn't always reciprocated.
At times quite theatrical and bombastic. A film that evolves after a difficult first half.
Translated from Dutch · View original
El Loco
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- 1114 messages
- 2392 votes
No, this wasn't a stroke of luck from Fassbinder. I did think "Angst Essen Seele Auf" and especially "Die Ehe der Maria Braun" were good films, but I never really got into it.
It begins with a very long and tedious opening scene featuring a conversation between Petra and her cousin Sidonie. Petra's character is established through, among other things, her failed marriage and the aide she treats horribly. She's certainly not a nice person who wishes you all the best.
When Hanna Schygulla makes her entrance as Karin, I hoped it would get a bit more interesting, but that didn't really materialize. She is, however, a very good actress and made an impression in "Die Ehe der Maria Braun," but the relationship between her and Petra never elevates the film. I certainly didn't feel Petra's infatuation with Karin at any point. I also found the final scene, in which Petra can't handle her heartbreak but eventually comes to her senses and apologizes to her mother and housekeeper, rather unbelievable.
No, that's not what it turned out to be. The idea of the power/love relationship is a good starting point, but the execution leaves something to be desired. There is one positive aspect to mention, though, and that's the claustrophobic atmosphere created by the entire film taking place in the same room. The use of color and the painting that constantly appears in the background are also quite special. Otherwise, it's just a very dull film.
1.5*
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