Reigen
This play, which premiered in Berlin in December 1920, was considered one of the biggest theater scandals of the last century. There were tumultuous scenes during performances and later even a trial – which, in turn, led to Arthur Schnitzler banning his "Reigen" from being performed until 1982. For 30 years, however, the series of ten erotic encounters about people in very different relationship situations has held a firm place in German-speaking theater life. In the summer of 2012, the ORF Lower Austria regional studio recorded the 120-minute production by Helmut Wiesner, who discovered an original version of the play in Switzerland, at the Reichenau Festival in the Neuer Spielraum.
Insights
Plot Summary
In 1930s Italy, a man confesses to a murder he did not commit to a psychiatrist. As the psychiatrist delves deeper into the man's psyche, the lines between reality and delusion begin to blur. The investigation uncovers a complex web of deceit, societal pressures, and hidden desires within a wealthy family. The film explores themes of guilt, confession, and the unreliability of memory.
Critical Reception
Reigen received critical acclaim for its complex narrative, masterful direction, and powerful performances. Critics lauded Bellocchio's ability to create a tense and atmospheric psychological thriller that questions the nature of truth and identity. The film was particularly praised for its intellectual depth and unsettling exploration of the human psyche, earning a respectable reception from both critics and audiences.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its intricate psychological depth and atmospheric tension.
- Bellocchio's masterful direction creates a compelling and unsettling exploration of guilt and delusion.
- The performances are lauded for their intensity and nuanced portrayal of complex characters.
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Fun Fact
The film is an adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's 1900 play 'Reigen' (La Ronde), which was controversial for its frank depiction of sexual relationships.
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