Rainer Werner Fassbinder

The Profile

Rainer Werner Fassbinder (May 31, 1945 – June 10, 1982) was a German filmmaker and central figure of New German Cinema, known as a director, screenwriter, actor and producer.

His first feature, L'amore è più freddo della morte, was filmed in 1969 and released in early 1970. Il matrimonio di Maria Braun is the first film of the so-called BRD Trilogy, which also includes Veronika Voss and Lola. Hanna Schygulla was a frequent collaborator and muse. Fassbinder worked in theatre before and during his film career and was associated with avant-garde groups such as the Action-theater and the Antiteater.

Two DeBaser reviews discuss Fassbinder's early radical style and his landmark film Il matrimonio di Maria Braun. The early work is noted for its provocation and formal experimentation; Maria Braun is presented as a masterpiece of New German Cinema. Reviews emphasize themes of post-war Germany, performative estrangement, and Fassbinder's collaborations.