European CinemaRobert Reimer (Language and Culture Studies)

Minutes for 2/26/01

 Dr. Reimer began class by reminding us that the minutes were in the library if we needed them to study for our midterm on Wednesday.  He then introduced the guest speaker from Clemson University, Dr. Sinka.  She spoke about the last movie we watched, Lola rennt.  The website to find out more is www.dickinson.edu/departments/germn/glossen/heft11   

 Dr. Sinka's presentation:

·                     she lived in Berlin when the movie came out.

·                     Franka Potente learned to run only for the film

·                     only 5% of the running Potente did made it onto the film

·                    this movie is great because it can be watched on different levels

Geography of Berlin:

·                     Mitte used to be in East Berlin- it has a lively art scene, lots of construction

·                     why didn't Lola take a taxi?- because of the construction, changing transportation lines, possibility of taking to the wrong street, running= the panic associated with Berlin

·                     film's premise- you have a choice, so take it.

·                     runner is expressive and explosive

·                     there is amazement at the amount of kinetic energy in Lola rennt

·                    critics say Lola runs too much- it is senseless running

·                     Manni rarely elicits sympathies from viewers outside Germany but in Germany he is a youth idol

·                     Lola rennt is a wake-up call from  lethargy- it is time for change

·                     film reflects societal ills- rigid behavior, unwilling to revitalize institutions

·                     Lola is undaunted from previous failures in episodes-> she seems to be a modern Pippi Longstocking, the fictional heroine of children's books

·                     fleshing out characters would lead to diluted roles as unequivocal agent of change...  film is a political icon of passionate commitment

·                     The mayor of Berlin, Diepgen, used Lola rennt for reelection campaign even though he has shown no mobility in years.  Many think he is boring, but his use of the film in his campaigne may have helped him win. 

·                    80% of the film takes place outside at Berlin locations.  It was filmed at over 40 locations.

·                     Lola runs back and forth between the East and West and never takes the shortest route.  the director had utter disregard for Berlin topography.  he says that it doesn't matter if it is Berlin or any other city.  that is not what is important, and yet the city is reflected in the film.

·                     the director wanted to alter the American perception of Berlin- it is wedged between demolition and modernization

·                     all of the people who Lola runs into represent different elements of society.

·                     everyone in Berlin is always waiting for something

·                     it is difficult to establish East from West Berlin

·                     New Mitte defines Berlin republic- not economic or sociologic criteria- it is an attitude just as this film presents an attitude

·                    Lola rennt does not teach the value of decision making

Questions:

·                     the police are meant to look silly and incompetent, there is usually no crime in Mitte

·                     Lola always seizes the moment

·                     People's names are all mentioned in the 3rd version

·                     ambulance has sense of miracle because Lola saves the man's life

Midterm: there will be 8 questions, have to answer 4.  It will be over the material we have read, discussion questions, film clips, and minutes.  It is open book, open notes.  No friends to take it for you will be allowed.

Paper:  due at 5 p.m. Friday 3/2/01.  You can email it also- due by Sunday if emailed.  Use Word so Dr. Reimer can open the attachment.