Theodor Kotulla...
A quick reminder to get off your asses and obtain the recent Criterion edition of Robert Bresson's Mouchette.
Pourquoi?
Firstly, it's amazing, one of the master's greatest works.
Secondly, among the DVD's bonus features is director Theodor Kotulla's illuminating 1967 documentary Zum Beispiel Bresson.
(In French, Au hasard..., a matter-of-fact pun on Bresson's extraordinary 1966 feature Au hasard Balthazar. Kotulla's documentary was released with a German-language audio track; its director worked from Berlin, but was born in Poland. D'accord?)
I'd previously viewed Kotulla's 1986 drama Der Angriff, and came away from it (if memory serves) rather less than dazzled. I much prefer this behind-the-scenes look at the production of Mouchette.*
If Bresson remains a relatively unknown figure in the States, then Kotulla may just as well have been born on a kilometer-wide rock within the asteroid belt. It makes no difference - here's an opportunity to explore a different perspective. Take advantage of it.
(* I remember seeing Der Angriff in Atlanta around 1989-90. It's been a while; maybe I loved it. Regardless, I'm keen to examine more of Kotulla's oeuvre. That is, if any of it can be reasonably found! Nothing seems to be available on disc... Grumble, moan, etc.)
TS
Pourquoi?
Firstly, it's amazing, one of the master's greatest works.
Secondly, among the DVD's bonus features is director Theodor Kotulla's illuminating 1967 documentary Zum Beispiel Bresson.
(In French, Au hasard..., a matter-of-fact pun on Bresson's extraordinary 1966 feature Au hasard Balthazar. Kotulla's documentary was released with a German-language audio track; its director worked from Berlin, but was born in Poland. D'accord?)
I'd previously viewed Kotulla's 1986 drama Der Angriff, and came away from it (if memory serves) rather less than dazzled. I much prefer this behind-the-scenes look at the production of Mouchette.*
If Bresson remains a relatively unknown figure in the States, then Kotulla may just as well have been born on a kilometer-wide rock within the asteroid belt. It makes no difference - here's an opportunity to explore a different perspective. Take advantage of it.
(* I remember seeing Der Angriff in Atlanta around 1989-90. It's been a while; maybe I loved it. Regardless, I'm keen to examine more of Kotulla's oeuvre. That is, if any of it can be reasonably found! Nothing seems to be available on disc... Grumble, moan, etc.)
TS
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