Fassbinder's Germany: History, Identity, Subject (Amsterdam University Press - Film Culture in Transition) [Paperback]

Thomas Elsaesser (Author)

Book Description

Series: Amsterdam University Press - Film Culture in Transition | Publication Date: June 1, 1996

Rainer Werner Fassbinder is one of the most prominent and important authors of post-war European cinema. Thomas Elsaesser is the first to write a thoroughly analytical study of his work. He stresses the importance of a closer understanding of Fassbinder's career through a re-reading of his films as textual entities. Approaching the work from different thematic and analytical perspectives, Elsaesser offers both an overview and a number of detailed readings of crucial films, while also providing a European context for Fassbinder's own coming to terms with fascism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Thomas Elsaesser, who teaches film at the University of Amsterdam, attempts to examine the political and historical forces that shaped Fassbinder's work, which often focused on the West German postwar pursuit of prosperity in "a society 'on the make' but not 'on the move.'" Along the way themes like Nazism, fascism, anti-Semitism, homophobia and the Germanic nature are explored--both in general terms and as they may have informed Fassbinder's life and films. -- The New York Times Book Review, Tim Hilchey

About the Author

Thomas Elsaesser is professor of the Department of Film and Television Studies at the Universiteit van Amsterdam and General Editor of the series Film Culture in Transition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Amsterdam University Press; 1 edition (June 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 9053560599
• ISBN-13: 978-9053560594
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #341,679 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very insightful, August 19, 2008

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Pony Rider - See all my reviews

This review is from: Fassbinder's Germany: History, Identity, Subject (Amsterdam University Press - Film Culture in Transition) (Paperback)

For everyone who is an avid watcher of Fassbinder movies it' great that book like this exists. It's probably very crucial that you saw a lot of Fassbinder's movies to understand this book, although the author did make an effort to write the main outlines of every movie that he is writing about so that you can 'go along' with him.
Author's main occupation in this book is to point out the background of what was happening in Germany and the rest of the world and how it reflected in particular Fassbinder film. He doesn't tire us with Fassbinder's biography to explain his movies but rather tries to unfold mental state of Fassbinder himself and effect people and environment had on him when he worked on particular film. Author has a great knowledge about Fassbinder and other directors of his time so that he can point out what makes Fassbinder such an interesting subject than any other of his colleagues.
Book was written in a form that is closer to textbook than a book, which is to expect since author is a professor of film and drama himself. All in all Fassbinder's fans will find this book a real treat while some others will find it as a good companion in watching Fassbinder films.