Der Fan

"Der Fan" is a bone chilling and thought-provoking film about teenage obsession and the gradual descent into social isolation, despair and slow brooding insanity. Simone is a pretty young girl whose entire universe spins around a pop-singer named "R". She talks to him in her mind, fantasizes about their utopist future together, eagerly awaits letters that never come and completely neglects her school work and social life in favor of dreams about him. Simone eventually takes the initiative abandon everything without notice and hitchhikes to Munich in order to meet him at a concert. She finds her beloved "R" and, for a brief period of time, all her dreams come true as he fancies her, albeit guarding a haughty distance. But, of course, now that she finally found him, Simone isn't prepared to share her lover with the rest of the world anymore … "Der Fan" is an unimaginably slow-paced film and – please – don't immediately start to question it's cult reputation upon noticing absolutely nothing significant happens during what appears to be the entire film. Believe you me; it's all just patient and awkwardly uncomfortable building up towards one of the most shocking and revolting climaxes ever. This was an incredibly controversial release back in its home country Germany, and it's not too hard to see why. Without revealing too much about the infamous denouement, I can safely say this girl Simone single-handedly gives a whole new dimension to the term "obsessive groupie". Désirée Nosbusch gives away a hugely impressive performance as Simone and undeniably the other biggest strong point of the film – apart from the ending of course – is Rheingold's prototypic 80's electro pop music. If you're familiar with the oeuvre the relatively known 80's band Kraftwork ("The Model", "Autobahn", "Radioactivity"), you know pretty much what to expect. "Der Fan" isn't a movie for all tastes but certainly a curious collector's item for the more avid and open-minded cult fanatic to seek out.

Doleful, onerous portrait of an obsessed fanatic which is entirely encompassing despite its glacial pace. A mildly dissociative schoolgirl grows increasingly entranced by a popular music artist(a very early '80s Kraftwerk-style fellow), and sets forth with determination to become his lover. Through the course of her efforts, she eventually finds herself in his bed...but when she is handed her wham-bam-thank-you papers, her moment of happiness turns to shock and dismay. Things are far from finalized, however, as the closing moments of this film illustrate in a rattling climax which brilliantly rectifies the brooding monotone of its creeping buildup.

A diagnostic rumination on fanaticism which is stylistically rather dated, yet nonetheless quite penetrating and recommendable.

6.5/10.

First, lets get the fact that the electro soundtrack here is one of the best scores ever. Like EVER! And since this centers on a pop star it's pretty important. There's a repetitive style that works well with the leads repetitive obsession with her letters.

The story and performances are splendid and the ending works just fine for me. It's a story about depression and identity -- deserves a Gen Z following.

I will admit that this movie does drag on some bit but its well worth it for the last 20 minutes.

Its pretty much the same as Autopsy 1999 ending.. but pretty well done and for 1982 its a big surprise.

Der Fan (1982) is a slow-burn psychological thriller that delves into the disturbing nature of obsession. The film follows a teenage fan whose fixation on a pop star gradually turns into something far more sinister. The off-screen narration from the protagonist gives us an eerie insight into a deeply disturbed mind, making the audience feel like silent witnesses to her descent.

For its time, Der Fan was an incredibly bold and provocative film, tackling themes of celebrity worship and psychological instability in a way that still resonates. The final 20 minutes take a shocking and macabre turn, cementing the film's reputation as a cult classic. The soundtrack, composed by Rheingold, is a standout-its electronic beats evoke the hypnotic sound of Kraftwerk, adding to the film's eerie atmosphere.

However, the film's slow pacing might not sit well with modern audiences. Some scenes drag on longer than necessary, making it feel somewhat dated. Still, its psychological depth and haunting final letter to "R" make Der Fan an unforgettable experience for fans of unsettling cinema.