The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant

classified 12A S

part of All That Melodrama Allows

Film

Sun 23 - Tue 25 Nov

Director
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Cast
Margit Carstensen, Hanna Schygulla, Katrin Schaake
Details
124 mins, Subtitled, 1972, West Germany
Primary language
German

Priority booking now open for Club Shed members

General sale opens on Mon 20 October at 12:00

In the early 1970s, Rainer Werner Fassbinder discovered the American melodramas of Douglas Sirk and was inspired by them to begin working in a new, more intensely emotional register. 

One of the first and best-loved films of this period in his career is The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, which balances a realistic depiction of tormented romance with staging that remains true to the director’s roots in experimental theatre.

Petra von Kant is a successful fashion designer. Arrogant, bitter and twisted after her divorce, she lives with her assistant Marlene, who silently suffers Petra's domination. 

When Karin enters her life she instantly falls in love with her and invites her to move in, promising to make her a famous model. But when Karin leaves her, Petra becomes irrationally jealous and hysterical.

  • The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant on Tue 25 Nov is part of our Cinébites deal: get 30% off any main dish in the Café & Bar with a valid ticket for Club Shed members.

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