Fassbinder: To Love Without Demands

Christian Braad Thomsen meets Rainer Werner Fassbinder when Fassbinder showcases his debut film, 'Love is colder than death', at the Berlinale film festival in 1969. This encounter marks the beginning of a deep friendship between the director and the future icon of German cinema.

Braad Thomsen and Fassbinder share their final meeting three weeks before Fassbinder's untimely death. This poignant moment underscores the importance of their friendship and the impact Fassbinder had on Thomsen's life and work.

Following Fassbinder's death, Christian Braad Thomsen records a conversation with Fassbinder's mother, Lilo Pempeit. Through her memories, she recounts Fassbinder's unusual childhood experiences growing up in post-war Germany, shedding light on the artist's formative years.

The film presents new interviews with actress Irm Hermann, who was among the first to recognize Fassbinder's talent before he gained public acclaim. Her support played a crucial role in Fassbinder's journey as he pursued grand dreams of making Hollywood films.

Actor and producer Harry Bär shares his recollections, including the last conversation he had with Fassbinder just hours before his passing. They discussed plans for a new film based on Joachim Witt's song 'Ich bin das Glück dieser Erde', revealing Fassbinder's unfulfilled ambitions.

Andrea Schober, who starred as a child in Fassbinder's early films, offers her insights during an interview. Their bond was rooted in mutual yearning – Schober for a father figure and Fassbinder for a child – illuminating the emotional depth of their relationship.

Fassbinder emerges as one of the most prolific filmmakers in history, creating 60 films for cinema and television in just 14 years. His ability to reach a wide audience while remaining true to his avant-garde roots is a central theme of the documentary.

Fassbinder's work is recognized as a visual interpretation of 20th-century German history, addressing significant events from the Weimar Republic's demise to the terrorism of the 1970s. His films uniquely explore how historical narratives impact individual lives.

Through the documentary, Christian Braad Thomsen seeks to unravel the complexities of Fassbinder's creativity, tracing it back to his extraordinary childhood. The interplay of his upbringing and the relationships he formed heavily influenced his artistic vision.

The film articulates Fassbinder's internal struggles with love, marriage, and madness, as he candidly discusses his feelings in front of Thomsen’s camera. His first film's title serves as an ironic reflection of his life and the deep connections formed with those around him.

Just hours before his death, Fassbinder articulates a profound insight during an interview, stating, 'To be complete, you need to double yourself.' This reflective statement encapsulates the complexities of his life and art, highlighting the profound contradictions he navigated.

The documentary weaves together interviews, personal memories, and archival footage to form a nuanced portrait of Fassbinder. This multifaceted approach provides viewers with a deeper understanding of both the artist and the man behind the legend.

Fassbinder's legacy as a filmmaker is solidified as an avant-garde pioneer who continuously pushed boundaries. His commitment to presenting authentic narratives about the human experience leaves an enduring impact on cinema and filmmakers worldwide.