Fasting Operetta

Set in the early 20th century, "Fasting Operetta" is a visually stunning and emotionally charged film that delves into the lives of a group of performers struggling with artistic and personal demons. The narrative loosely follows the intertwining fates of singers, composers, and patrons within the confines of a bohemian artistic community. It explores themes of love, obsession, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of artistic expression, culminating in a feverish and operatic climax.

Werner Schroeter's "Fasting Operetta" is a highly stylized and avant-garde film that polarized critics upon its release. It has since gained a cult following among cinephiles for its bold aesthetic, intense performances, and challenging exploration of operatic melodrama. While some found it overly indulgent and inaccessible, others lauded its raw emotional power and unique cinematic language.

• Praised for its audacious visual style and intense emotional performances.

• Criticized by some for its deliberately fragmented narrative and challenging accessibility.

• Recognized as a significant work of experimental cinema exploring themes of art and desire.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'Fasting Operetta' is difficult to gauge through broad public platforms like Google Reviews due to its niche and experimental nature. It is likely appreciated by those who seek out challenging and arthouse cinema, particularly films that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling and musical integration.

Nominated for the Golden Bear at the 1975 Berlin International Film Festival.

The film's raw and often confrontational style was a deliberate choice by director Werner Schroeter to eschew traditional narrative structures and instead evoke the intense emotional and psychological landscapes of opera.