German Film Review: Fear Eats the Soul by Rainer Werner Fassbinder

Angst essen Seele auf (Fear eats the soul) is directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder and stars Brigitte Mira and El Hedi ben Salem. The film follows Mira as Emmi, an older German woman who is a mother of three adult children and a widow who meets and falls in love with Ali, a much younger migrant worker from Morocco.

This was my first foray into Fassbinder’s filmography, and I must say it’s brilliantly shot. I love all the claustrophobic framing through doors, which reflects the crushing limits society puts upon the protagonists. Likewise, the scene outside amongst the sunshine-yellow tables is a particularly beautiful moment, but it again adds to the idea of isolation as the couple are completely alone; they can have a tender moment in public only because the scene is unpopulated by other prying eyes.

But what’s most shocking and really quite sad is that a film made in the 1970s about racism, ageism and prejudice feels just as relevant now, and while we have progressed slightly, we are nowhere near to where we need to be!

Fear Eats the Soul is a must-watch and a great introduction to a master of German cinema. I’m intrigued to watch more of his films, one for the fact that Fassbinder was a filmmaker that dared to push boundaries and famously proclaimed, ‘I don’t throw bombs, I make films.’ and because Fear was just such a great place to start.

Film Review: Sorry to Bother You

Sorry to Bother You is a satirical masterpiece tackling capitalism and racism simultaneously. The film was directed by Boots Riley in his debut behind the camera and stars Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Danny Glover, Steven Yeun, Omari Hardwick and Armie Hammer.

This film is beyond wacky like it is a trip and a half. Yet it feels so relevant right now because of how linked it is with our current reality. Capitalism is critiqued through the adverts Cassius sees on TV and around his neighbourhood, the evil corporation ‘WorryFree’ is a modern incarnation of the slave trade and to truly escalate his career Cassius adopts a “White voice” as a telemarketer.

The concept of the “White Voice” is really quite terrifying, a white supremacist construct that serves to restrict black voices. Before adopting this voice, Cassius is unsuccessful in selling to a predominantly white public, but as soon as he uses this “White Voice”, he connects with them and starts racking up the sales!

Yeun’s character Squeeze also starts a union to protest against unfair working conditions and terrible pay, which also fits in with how 0-hour contracts, discrimination and dehumanisation occur in workplaces within our reality.

These critiques of society are so cleverly woven into the narrative, and the humour is just so brilliant, I think I could gush about how absolutely original and funny and important this film is for hours. It is definitely a new favourite, and I can’t wait to see what Riley does next as a Director!

The costume design and just the general aesthetics of this film really stand out, especially with the character Detroit, Cash’s girlfriend played by the always brilliant Tessa Thompson. She wears custom earrings and clothes with political and feminist messages, her hair is dyed several different colours and her makeup defies convention. She is an artist through and through and I love how expressive her costuming is, she is an iconic character and I loved how independent she is.

With the Black Lives Matter movement gaining massive traction this past month after the awful murders of Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd this year, it is important for Black voices to be amplified and given a space to shine. One of the best places for this to happen to reach a wide range of people is in the film industry.

Movies are so influential; they can inspire, they can celebrate, and they can educate, and a film like Sorry to Bother You does all three. Riley, alongside other Black Directors like Spike Lee, Steve McQueen, Barry Jenkins, Ryan Coogler and Jordan Peele are making fantastic films right now that challenge how White Hollywood is, so get watching!

My next step is to seek out Black Female Directors, as the film industry, in general, is dominated by male voices. So far, I’ve added Ava DuVernay, Melina Matsoukas, Chinonye Chukwu, Wanuri Kahiu and Mati Diop to my list, but if you have a favourite Black Female Director, then feel free to share with everyone in the comments section.