Fasbinder always creates an uneasy sensation in the watcher of his movie- the subject matter he picks up, the way he handles the character and plot, all leave a lasting typical Fasbinder prick somewhere deep in the psyche. For me this movie is a play of unsuccessful efforts by the innocent but weak willed people when confronted by self centered, haughty and mean character who knows that he has this quality to dominate weak willed people in to his submission, he derives meaning and fulfillment of his life.All the three character starting from the boy Franz to his once mistress, all of them are found to have given up themselves to that man. Even the girl who enters the plot seeking Franz succumb to this man's lust as meekly as Franz. Boy searches for happiness but end up serving to his master's happiness.Girl comes to seek happiness in the prospective marriage and bearing of child of Franz but even she too end up serving that Man. Mistress, played by Thompsson went even as far to change her sex just to keep that scoundrel Leopold in a state of happiness.All of the three sought their happiness in keeping Leopold happy which was nothing but total surrender of their chaste, pious and pure Will.Pious and pure soul by their nature is weak prone to be abused by the dominating will to its advantage. Once caged, howsoever hard one may try like in the last scene, it is impossible for one to wriggle out himself out free.Submission of general masses so tamely to the domination of Natzi ideology in forties as represented by Hitler is what this movie tells about at a more individual level. Boy and his girl friend both are brilliantly portrayed as pure and simple souls, capable of drowning themselves in serene music-only destined to be stopped and halted abruptly and later on to be mauled emotionally and herded in to the bed room by the dominating will. Pure souls are His creatures- only destined to suffer.
Review of Water Drops on Burning Rocks
