Movieline

2003

17:00 Code inconnu - F/D 2000. 116 min. Director: Michael Haneke.
Michael Haneke’s theme is communication and how it doesn’t come about (any more), or does so only through acts of violence. In fragmentary, brilliantly narrated episodes, he plumbs the depths of various codes in this puzzling game in search of their relevance to the present.

20:00 Die Schönste 1 - East Germany 1957. 86 min / 58 min. Director: Ernesto Remani.
22:00 Die Schönste 2 - East Germany 1957. 86 min / 58 min. Director: Ernesto Remani.
The loss of a valuable necklace transforms a spoiled West Berlin socialite; she then vows to give up the wasteful lifestyle she’s been leading and to place kindness and goodness above wealth and possessions.
On hand are the 1957 original version (86 min.) that was not approved by the Communist Party’s Central Committee, as well as the abridged version (58 min) that also includes an additional subplot featuring actor Manfred Krug but otherwise has been radically cut. The comparison of the two is a fascinating exercise that enables viewers to take a retrospective look at the big picture of cultural policymaking in East Germany.