THAT WEDDING is almost upon us. If anyone has any doubts about the ruling class's use of patriotism for its own ends a visit to many, Pale Mother would quickly dispel any illusions. This film by Helma Sanders-Brahms explores the complex relationship between patriotism and fascism in Nazi Germany, and affects the people', Hans and Lene.
As we see ine adora• tion which his party has tor the ruhrer — his name used as birthday greeting, his portrait considered the perfect finishing touch new vwees beeroom - 1l becomes clear how 'Ordinary people talled protest the forcible removal of their Jewish friends and neighbours. Ordinary The main focus of the changing relationship between Lene portrayed by Eva Mattes) and Hans (Ernst Jacobi), two 'ordinary people their daughter describes them.
Lene is perhaps typical of many people the time. Nazism holds no illusions for her, but she will not take a stand against it.
When her sister's schoolfriend dragged away screaming in the middle of the night, she simply draws Germarriage of 'two nice rummages through the boxes in the empty shop for embroidery silks, her only emotion apparently irritation being unable to find the colour she wants.
Hans, like Lene, is not a Nazi. Called un outbreak of war, at first he WCCUS horror the shoom he sees as 'enemies' whom peopic just like Lene and himself. Gradually, though, becomes brutalised by the the Nazi myth Lakes noo 'We must fight on to victory, or glorious destruction!' he tells Lene when on But Lene, who has seen has walked to Berlin with little more than the clothe on her back, is interested in glory only in survival for herself and her child. Germany, Pale Mother: two 'ordinary people', Hans and Lene.
tion, its leaders branded as war criminals and glorious Nazi party as an extermination machine, are mirrored in the feelings of Hans and Lene. Lene's fight for survival has made impossible accept the passive existence of housewife. Hans becomes increasingly embittered as he sees ex-Nazis promoted over his head. Their relationship spirals explores the complex relationship between patriotism and fascism in Nazi Germany through ner, monstrously huge, crawling flies; young head thrown back in defiance, squing on a sandy Norman facing death firing beach; Lene giving devastated Berlin ('How long have you been looking for them?' weeks'.).
Described as 'bleak' by several reviewers, this film Germany, Pale Mother due to be screened Unit cinema Hulme, near Manchester, 2-9 August, and at the Ritzy ir Brixton 16-23