The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant

A seemingly typical film from Rainer Werner Fassbinder featuring intense female pathology and only the barest traces of style (which in itself constitutes Fassbinder's own unique style). It all takes place in the home of Petra von Kant, a wealthy, arrogant fashion designer who soon falls in love with one of her models. Actually this would probably make an effective stage play in the vein of Tennessee Williams with its limited setting and only a few extended scenes. After winning the heart of her model, the girl becomes complacent and Petra becomes increasingly obsessive. This really shouldn't be a particularly good film, but it becomes one because Fassbinder along with his actors bring us so deeply into the skin of the characters, that it is difficult to no be impressed by the complexity and humanity he manages to create. The final few scenes earn an emotional potency as I came to understand the truth and meaning of the title.