The Merchant of Four Seasons

Hans Epp is a self-destructive man who lives a dissatisfied life. He tries to find meaning as a fruit vendor, but a heart attack impedes his ability to work, which turns his dissatisfaction into despair.

Inspired by the discovery of Douglas Sirk's work – and set, like those classic melodramas, in the 1950s – director Rainer Werner Fassbinder charts Hans' downfall with a perfect blend of poignancy and high drama. 

The Sirkian formula worked so well it would inspire a new phase in the director's output and produce such classics as The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant and Ali: Fear Eats the Soul.

Part of the European Award Season, coordinated by the European Film Academy.

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