Director Oskar Roehler depicts the final phase in the life of his mother Gisela Elsner, who once used to be something of a German it-girl, an up and coming writer -- sexy, independent, leftist, successful. Now she is failing to come to terms with the fact that times have changed. For her, because her books aren't getting published anymore, and because men are no longer chasing after her. But also for the world at large, because the Wall has come down, which also means the end to her communist aspirations.
Somehow, she still seems to have some money -- she can afford to walk into a boutique and buy a Dior coat at a whim -- and influence, as she is still interviewed by a journalist. But she is also addicted to pills and cigarettes, and unable to cope with her loss of influence and youthfulness.
Films like this are often described as "an unflinching look", in this case of a son at his mother. But this doesn't make it an engaging or just watchable movie. Yes, it's filmed in black and white, it's very bleak -- and consequently it had German critics raving. But despite the valiant efforts of lead actress Hannelore Elsner it's simply depressing and uninteresting.
Somehow, she still seems to have some money -- she can afford to walk into a boutique and buy a Dior coat at a whim -- and influence, as she is still interviewed by a journalist. But she is also addicted to pills and cigarettes, and unable to cope with her loss of influence and youthfulness.
Films like this are often described as "an unflinching look", in this case of a son at his mother. But this doesn't make it an engaging or just watchable movie. Yes, it's filmed in black and white, it's very bleak -- and consequently it had German critics raving. But despite the valiant efforts of lead actress Hannelore Elsner it's simply depressing and uninteresting.