Für Elise

FÜR ELISE is Schlingensief’s first 16mm film, in which the sound of Germany’s national anthem expresses Schlingensief’s profound crisis after being rejected by the film academy in Munich. “No Beethoven is heard in that film, which focuses on a young man, Schlingensief himself, standing isolated and erect in a snow-covered village square. The timbered building at one end of the square, the musician’s moustache, a wounded war veteran, the typical bourgeoise hausfrau with her dog, the title of the film – all seem totemic of Germany.” (Laurence Kardish)

With 100 JAHRE ADOLF HITLER and DAS DEUTSCHE KETTENSÄGENMASSAKER