The Legend of Paul and Paula (1973)

I know extremely little about films produced in DDR. The Legend of Paul and Paula (dir. Heiner Carow) was apparently a popular movie in its day. I am surprised by this, as I found the film quite bizarre, almost on a par with Fassbinder's Satan's brew! It is more the style than the story that made this film quite a universe of its own. The camera is often hand held and scenes tend to wind up in a way you least expect. A strange technique is used to cut strange elements into a familiar setting. Paul and Paula are in love but they can't be together. Or are they really in love? Well, maybe they are, in their own, eccentric way. Class differences - check, funny images of work - check. The film follows the path of romantic tragedy, a couple who do not end up in each other's arms, but the way the film carries out this little plot is way out of step with conventional norms of romantic stories. The legend of Paul and Paula is hysteric, grotesque at times - erratically playful with style. Oh - and if you decide to watch this film, don't forget to check out the settings: very un-glossy urban scenery. And also: the ending, the ending! If the romantic comedies of the present Hollywood type would end this way, I wouldn't hesitate to watch one or two. Even though this was by no means a masterpiece, it was a funny, strangle little film that made me curious about the cinema of the GDR.