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..."

Lili Marleen (1981)

In Switzerland, German singer Willie falls in love with Jewish composer, Robert, who offers resistance to the Nazis by helping refugees.

From memory: Fassbinder's attempt to make a big movie production is meticulously produced, but the result is a dubious combination of old-fashioned melodrama with the director's usual idiosyncrasies.

Halliwell*: "Curious mixture of melodrama and satire which doesn't really work but is always lively to watch."

Maltin**1/2: ""Second-rate Fassbinder about third-rate cabaret singer...Intriguing subject matter is pretentiously handled.