Die Sehnsucht der Veronika Voss (1982)

 

Veronika Voss is a once prominent UFA actress, kept by her doctor, who raises suspicion in a sports journalist.

From memory: Beautifully photographed in black-and-white in exquisitely stylish sets, this melodrama follows the tragic fate of a former German movie star who can no longer find success in post-war Germany; Fassbinder clearly set this as homage to the actress Sybille Schmitz, who he admired, but also as a critique of the relentless German society after WWII.

Halliwell**: "Fascinatingly convoluted puzzle play with enough to say for a year of late-night discussions; but the bleached-out black and white photography is an unnecessary strain." 

Maltin***: "Interesting saga...Good, but not great, Fassbinder..."

Die bleierne Zeit (1981)

Two sisters both fight for women's rights. Juliane is a journalist and Marianne a terrorist. When Marianne is jailed, Juliane feels obligated to help her despite their differing views on how to live.

Intense and affecting analysis of the sisters' relationship which also reflects important political issues in Germany at the time; the cast is excellent.

Halliwell*: "...this is a suppositional account of how two well-brought- up girls can develop so differently."

Maltin***1/2: "Profound, multileveled, and memorable chronicle...Superbly acted, a must-see."