The Dam (1964)

Genre : Drama

Runtime : 1H 17M

Director : Vlado Kristl

Synopsis

In The Dam, although it is an experimental film, Kristl eschews the necessary earnestness in addressing his subject. The manufactured, unambiguously humorless profundity proffered up by other German contemporaries is absent here. Laughter is allowed. Kristl takes the dreadful liberty of tomfoolery, sending up himself, the characters, the action, "tragedy," and everything else, including the audience, that might be held sacred. Within the framework of the action, we recognize a love triangle, one of the simplest of dramatic configurations. Not only the basic idea, but also numerous particulars, both in subject and style, are reminiscent of the films of Roman Polanski, which Kristl doubtless saw and holds in esteem. We meet two men: one is meant to embody the outsider, the artistic, intellectual, individualist. The other looks like the embodiment of the well-to-do man, the burgher, the functionary, the capitalist. The two battle for the favor of an indecisive and domineering girl.

Actors

Petra Nettelbeck
Petra Nettelbeck
Das gelähmte Mädchen
Vlado Kristl
Vlado Kristl
Der 'Clown'
Felix Potisk
Felix Potisk
Der 'Spießer'
Erich Glöckler
Erich Glöckler
Uwe Nettelbeck
Uwe Nettelbeck
Telefonstimme (voice)

Crews

Vlado Kristl
Vlado Kristl
Director
Vlado Kristl
Vlado Kristl
Writer
Michaela Berchtold
Michaela Berchtold
Writer
Detten Schleiermacher
Detten Schleiermacher
Producer
Gérard Vandenberg
Gérard Vandenberg
Cinematography
Michaela Berchtold
Michaela Berchtold
Editor
Marlis Detjens
Marlis Detjens
Editor
Gerhard Schumm
Gerhard Schumm
Assistant Director