Class Minutes for 10/22/03

 

In class viewing of Ali, Fear Eats the Soul. (R.W. Fassbinder)

 

Study sheets and questions for the film were handed out.

 

Questions for Ali, Fear Eats the Soul:

 

  1. Fassbinder made his movie to address the prejudice many Germans had against guest workers at the time the film was made. Keeping this in mind, analyze the opening five minutes of the film (up to the time Ali and Emmi begin dancing).
  2. Compare the opening of the film with the opening of Katzelmacher, What are the similarities? What are the differences?
  3. The movie is divided into two parts. Before the marriage and after. Describe how relationships between the characters change from the first part to the second.
  4. Analyze the mise en scene in the restaurant, when Ali and Emmi are having their wedding meal.
  5. Identify the instances where Fassbinder turns individuals into objects of someone’s stare. Why do you think he does this?
  6. Argue that the ending of the film is pessimistic.

 

Answers are to be typed. Due Monday 10/27.

 

 

            In the film, Ali, Fear Eats the Soul, director R.W. Fassbinder explores the prejudices many Germans had towards immigrant guest workers. After meeting in a bar Emmi (an older German woman) and Ali (an immigrant worker) enter a controversial relationship that results in their marriage. Emmi and Ali find comfort in each other despite the disapproval of friends and family. Eventually the stress becomes too great, and the couple leaves for vacation in hope that things will be better when they return.

            Upon the couple’s return things have indeed changed. Both Emmi’s friends and family seem to have become more accepting, though we see that it may only be because they have something to gain from it. As Emmi’s attention shifts towards these relationships we see the stress it causes in Ali. Their relationship deteriorates, and Ali has an affair.

            The couple reconciles in the end, but only just before we learn that Ali collapses in pain. We learn that Ali, like many other immigrants, suffers from a stress-induced ulcer that will affect him for the rest of his life. The film ends in the hospital where Emmi sits beside an unconscious Ali.