Is The Cinema and its Double: Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Despair' Revisited Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2011)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Cinema and its Double: Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Despair' Revisited (2011), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "This absolutely top-notch documentary by Robert Fischer is a fascinating look back at not just the film in question, but Fassbinder's meteoric career which ended all too soon with his untimely death. Archival footage of Fassbinder is utilized (including several fascinating snippets culled from interviews he did at the disastrous Cannes premiere of Despair), as well as many others involved in the film and its release. Even if you're not a particular fan of Despair, or even in fact of Fassbinder, this is stellar documentary film making and is an intriguing look at one of the most enigmatic masters of the New German Cinema."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Andréa Ferréol does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Cinema and its Double: Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Despair' Revisited worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Cinema and its Double: Rainer Werner Fassbinder's 'Despair' Revisited is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 70 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.