Leontine Sagan's Mädchen in Uniform (1931) is a groundbreaking
German film that defied established societal norms, showcasing the
power of women, both behind and in front of the camera. Adapted
from Christa Winsloe's lesbian play, the story follows Manuela, an
orphan in a boarding school for impoverished Prussian nobility.
When her love for a female teacher is discovered, the oppressive
principal punishes her, leading to a desperate suicide attempt.
Barbara Mennel's compelling study firmly establishes Mädchen in
the Weimar cinema canon. Breaking away from the teleological and
over-determined “Caligari to Hitler” approach that has
dominated the field since its inception, Mennel examines the film
on its own terms within its immediate historical moment. Although
it was prohibited viewing for several years, having been banned by
the Nazis for its lesbian subtext and anti-authoritarian message,
she asserts its central role in articulating feminist film theory
in the late 1970s. Analysing its themes of democracy versus
tyranny, the collective versus the individual, and expressive
desire versus repressive discipline, she underscores the film’s
timeless impact, and why it continues to resonate with contemporary
audiences.
General
Imprint: |
Bfi Publishing
|
Country of origin: |
United Kingdom |
Series: |
BFI Film Classics |
Release date: |
April 2024 |
Authors: |
Barbara Mennel
|
Dimensions: |
190 x 135mm (L x W) |
Pages: |
104 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-83902-417-7 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-83902-417-8 |
Barcode: |
9781839024177 |
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