The German Chainsaw Massacre & Other Oddities Finally Hit Streaming

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As a cinephile and a connoisseur of the bizarre, I find myself utterly captivated by the latest offerings from Metrograph at Home. The streaming platform has brought to light some long-lost gems that have been languishing in obscurity for far too long, such as Christoph Schlingensief’s audacious masterpiece, “The German Chainsaw Massacre.” This film is a testament to the chaotic creative energy of its director and a relentless provocation that pushes the boundaries of taste and decency.

The streaming release announcement notes that Schlingensief was a rebel with a cause, and I couldn’t agree more. His work is a reflection of his life experience, which was anything but ordinary. He was known for his unconventional methods and his fearless approach to art, which made him one of the most intriguing figures in contemporary German cinema.

And let me tell you, this film is no exception. It’s a wild ride that takes viewers on a journey through the darkest corners of the human psyche. If you’re looking for a laugh, I recommend watching it with a group of friends and seeing who can stomach it the longest. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed!

In addition to “The German Chainsaw Massacre,” Metrograph at Home is also offering a series of films featuring the legendary Delphine Seyrig, one of the best performers to come out of the Nouvelle Vague. I highly recommend checking out her work in “Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles,” which was named the greatest film of all time by Sight & Sound. It’s a masterpiece that showcases Seyrig’s incredible talent and proves why she is still remembered as one of the greats.

So if you’re looking for something to watch this week, I highly recommend checking out what Metrograph at Home has to offer. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed! And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite film or director along the way. Just remember to keep an open mind and a strong stomach!

Christoph Schlingensief’s provocative film, “The German Chainsaw Massacre,” makes its long-awaited debut on streaming platforms. For years, this film has been known as an infamous yet little-seen piece of cinema. It creatively portrays Germany’s reunification post-Berlin Wall fall through a grindhouse horror lens, similar to “The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.” Instead of battling a psychotic gang of cannibalistic rednecks, the protagonist in “The German Chainsaw Massacre” is an East German fugitive who, having stabbed her husband and escaped to the West, encounters a tribe of incestuous cannibals living in a decaying factory. The streaming platform’s announcement highlights this unique release:

Known as one of the most exceptional artists in history by Austrian author Elfriede Jelinek, Schlingensief was a dynamic and unpredictable artist who passed away in 2010 at the age of 49. He combined various artistic disciplines to create a whirlwind of chaotic energy, always pushing boundaries as the successor to the rebellious spirit of German cinema left vacant after R.W. Fassbinder’s death. In this film, the savage and absurd second installment of his “Germany Trilogy,” he brutally satirizes the topic of German reunification, employing a style reminiscent of Grand Guignol films shown in grindhouse theaters.

Among the unusual films currently available for streaming on Metrograph at Home is one titled from the collection An Alternate Cinema: Four Films from the Deutsche Kinemathek Archives. This series presents the streaming debuts of restorations for three additional independently produced German movies that challenge boundaries, including Pia Frankenberg’s “Ain’t Nothin’ Without You“, Will Tremper’s “The Endless Night“, and Michael Brynntrup’s “Jesus: Der Film“. These films have recently been screened at the theater, with the latter three following closely behind.

Another set of captivating films is heading to Metrograph at Home, a grouping called “MEMORY: 10th Anniversary Retrospective“. This program honors a decade of dedicated, groundbreaking work from an independent film company based in Los Angeles. They produce, curate, and distribute innovative projects by talented multi-tasking filmmakers and artists. A standout title is “David“, featuring Nathan Fielder and directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp, who has worked on “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On” and the upcoming remake of “Lilo & Stitch“.

Laura Dern & Delphine Seyrig Come to Metrograph

This month at Metrograph, a variety of movies are being screened both in-person and as part of some eagerly awaited film series. The collection “15 Minutes” derives its name from Andy Warhol’s famous prediction, showcasing films like “All About Eve,” “The King of Comedy,” “The Bling Ring,” “Sunset Boulevard,” “The Neon Demon,” and “Under the Silver Lake.” The spotlight is also on Delphine Seyrig: Rebel Muse, highlighting one of the Nouvelle Vague’s finest actors. Movies featured include “The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie,” “Stolen Kisses,” and “Jeanne Dielman, 23 quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxelles,” which was crowned the best film ever by Sight & Sound. Additionally, this tribute includes films directed by Seyrig herself, such as “Be Pretty and Shut Up” and “Maso and Miso Go Boating.” These films, along with Seyrig’s “Scum Manifesto,” are also available for streaming.

Honoring Iconic Actress Laura Dern: A Showcase of 11 Remarkable Films

In this event, we celebrate one of America’s cherished actresses through a collection of her finest works such as Blue Velvet, Marriage Story, Inland Empire, and Smooth Talk. Artist Andrew Norman Wilson is back with his diverse series, Male Magnetism, encompassing documentary, mockumentary, found footage, video diary, video art, and home video, featuring pieces from Conner O’Malley and Harmony Korine.

Renowned film critic Jonathan Rosenbaum graces the Metrograph for a book promotion of In Dreams Begin Responsibilities, engaging in a conversation with filmmaker Michael Almereyda, and presenting a double feature of extraordinary films: WR: Mysteries of the Organism and Giants & Toys.

Ultimately, Sandhya Suri, from the remarkable new release by Metrograph Pictures titled Santosh, has chosen some intriguing films to showcase: Alain Gomis’s Senegal-based drama Félicité (2017) and Nilita Vachani’s tragicomic documentary Diamonds in a Vegetable Garden (1992). Every day, there are numerous masterpieces screening at Metrograph Pictures; for the complete schedule, click here.

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2025-01-02 18:31