3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Be Feminist and an Artist and Avoid Starvation- a Primer, May 1, 2003
This review is from: The All-Round Reduced Personality [VHS] (VHS Tape)
First things first: Edda is a feminist. Do not be afraid. She does not push an 'agenda.' She merely presents one woman's struggle reconciling an intense commitment to her integrity as a fiercely independent artist, with the basic needs of survival and child-rearing. Edda, played by the film's writer AND director Helke Sander, is a woman who obeys her instincts and refuses to capitulate to the standard of what her contemporaries in 1970s revitalized Berlin believe 'feminine' art should aspire to. She merely wants to be permitted to do what she does well- photojournalism -and not be penalized for her gender in the process. As the film progresses, this demand becomes increasingly elusive- her single parent status, her city government's attitude toward her socially critical work, and the pittance she is forced to live on all bear down on her.
Sander's film is not all bleakness and despair, however. This is quite a charming film. Narrated in first person by Edda, we get a stream-of-consciousness-style experience of her daily ruminations and artistic processes. She is immediately compelling and wonderfully acted by Sander, who crafted a truly wonderful gem. I would especially recommend this film to independent female artists and photographers. To be noted- it's shot in black and white and the cinematography is profoundly beautiful- known for its heavily graffitied walls, Berlin becomes part dreamscape, part realist vision of the prototypical late-20th century city in an era of post-modernism and urban alienation. Simply put, it's compelling. For fans of great cinematography, feminists, artists, and photographers/photojournalists, or anyone who's up for something a little more understated and thoughtful than the average fare, this film will burn itself into your visual memory- in a GOOD way. I can't recommend it enough. -Liz W.
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