Martha
Dir: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
West Germany, 1974, 118minmins, DCP
Cast: Margit Carstensen, Karlheinz Böhm, Barbara Valentin, Peter Chatel
After her father’s abrupt death, virginal librarian Martha falls for civil engineer Helmut at first sight. But when they are married, Helmut’s controlling nature rears its ugly head – he forces her to read about his profession, sent in a resignation letter to the library on her behalf, and even disconnects their home’s telephone – and it’s too late for Martha to fight back. Fassbinder’s cynical attack on the institution of marriage employs Sirk’s classical visual trademarks to create a bleak examination into the sadist-masochistic nature of toxic relationships.
German Film Awards: Best Actress nomination
Remarks
1. Screenings at Broadway Cinematheque are available at Broadway Cinematheque and website of Broadway Circuit only. For related ticketing information, please refer to www.cinema.com.hk.
2. Screenings at Emperor Cinemas iSQUARE, Emperor Cinemas Times Square and PREMIERE Elements : tickets are available at URBTIX till 5pm one day before respective screening, after which tickets will be available only at the box office of the respective venue on the day of screening, subject to availability.
3. Screenings at HK Arts Centre and M+ Cinema : tickets are available at URBTIX outlets until one hour before the screening, after which tickets are available at URBTIX website and mobile app. On-the-day tickets will also be available at the Self-service Ticketing Kiosk of the respective venue, subject to availability.
4. Unless otherwise stated, all films (except English-speaking films) are subtitled in English.
5. While it is the HKIFFS’s policy to secure the best possible print of the original version for all its screenings, the HKIFFS appreciates its patrons’ understanding on occasions when less than perfect screening copies are screened.
