Bérénice

Ruiz delivered this idiosyncratic film version to the Avignon Theater Festival instead of a theater production of the "Bérénice" from 1670. In a dilapidated villa, the protagonists recite Racine's Alexandrines to perfection, but their voices are separated from their bodies. Shadows and phantoms speak from the darkness, only Bérénice's face is illuminated as in a silent film. Carried by omnipresent elegiac music, the love triangle of Emperor Titus, friend Antiochus and Queen Bérénice is pregnant with separation from the beginning. But the drama ends – unique for Racine - instead of tragedy and death, in insight and renunciation. (Barbara Kronsfoth)

All retrospective films that will be shown at the Filmmuseum after the Viennale - from 1.11. - can of course also be reserved as usual at filmmuseum.at or by calling 01/533 70 54 and purchased at the box office of the Austrian Film Museum. The prices of the Austrian Film Museum apply.

Raúl Ruiz: TRES TRISTES TIGRES (1968), EL REALISMO SOCIALISTA (1973), DIALOGUES OF EXILES (1975), BÉRÉNICE (1983), POINT DE FUITE (1984), MÉMOIRE DES APPARENCES (1986), L’OEIL QUI MENT (1992), FADO MAJEUR ET MINEUR (1994), TROIS VIES ET UNE SEULE MORT (1996), GÉNÉALOGIES D’UN CRIME (1997), COMÉDIE DE L’INNOCENCE (2000), KLIMT (2006), MISTÉRIOS DE LISBOA (2010)