tlavideo.com

Amos Lassen wrote on 04/03/2011:

In Germany of the 70’s, Leopold, a 50 year old businessman, meets Franz, a 20 year old and Leopold invites him over. A love affair begins until one day a matter of little importance leads to a difference of opinion and what was is no more.
The movie is based on a play by Fassbinder that had never been filmed and here is directed by Francois Ozon. It retains its theatrical structure and the dialog takes the viewer in from almost the first word. Leopold is a self-indulgent and persuasive bi-sexual who restructures the lives of three people when he introduces them to new sexual adventures. First is Franz, the 20 year old who is thinking of marrying his girlfriend, Anna. He became confused about love when he had a homosexual dream which Leopold is glad to recreate for him after the gets the inexperienced Franz into bed. Next is Anna who is overwhelmed at Leopold’s advances on her. Finally there is Vera who is now a woman but had once been a man and was once Leopold’s lover. Leopold always quested for novelty and he feels what each victim desires and he is ready to help them.
Each of the actors is excellent but it is a bit hard to tell what the director wanted to say here.
The film is wonderfully well done even though it is not meant to be realistic. Despite its minimalism, it is hard not to be taken in by the film. The dialog is enchanting and the atmosphere is certainly palpable. The characters act in mysterious ways and it is impossible what is going to happen next.
From the opening sequence the film is full of sexual tension. In fact, the entire movie takes place within the same four walls which gives an intimate feeling. Even though Ozon directed the film, Fassbinder is totally evident here. The movie is odd but charming and to not enjoy this film would being a void to your cinematic fun.