The Berlin Bride

The Berlin Bride comes across like a German Expressionist episode from The Twilight Zone; and that's good thing. The tension and unusualness of this film kept me enthralled from the first frame to the last. Kudos to the filmmaker for doing so much with so little, proving once again that you don't need a grand budget to tell a story remarkably.

I didn't think that I would like this movie but it had me hooked from the first minute. There wasn't much said in this movie and that is why it stood out. It makes you think about what is going on and the images are stunning. Strange characters, strange occurrences and even more bizarre of an ending. This was on par with Kung Fu Hustle and should be a film added to everyone's collection. You won't have another one like! I guarantee it-

In Michael Bartlett's haunting feature, "The Berlin Bride" we enter a strange new world, not unlike the one David Lynch brought us to in "Eraserhead," some 40 years ago. The visual aesthetic that inhabits the film, truly makes it feel out of time, like we're watching a long-lost 70's film that has just been unearthed. The art direction and set design was also very impressive - so many rich details to pour over, like a single egg in the refrigerator or a stack of VHS tapes next to a naked Barbie doll. There were even moments where "Stalker" came to mind, when the characters were walking outside, and the outside world (trees, old apartment buildings) had a sort of unwordly feel to them. Definitely for fans of the occult and strange, but also for anyone looking for something a little bit different.

What an interesting vision of Berlin in what seems like the 80s. Each shot, from the first to the last, was unique to the film's vision. I absolutely love the haunting soundtrack, with gorgeous violin lines throughout. What grace we see in both the music as well as the visuals of all of the hands that make up this story. There is a beautiful blend throughout the film of non-diegetic sound that becomes diegetic. This is done seamlessly. Amazing job throughout!!

The film is a crazy ride of loneliness, jealousy, betrayal and loss... but told in an almost upside down way, with the female lead being played by a mannequin. There is nothing predictable about this film. It pays homage to many art films of old, and is clearly helmed by a very talented director.

I enjoyed this film but be warned it is not for everybody. If you don't enjoy surreal, off the wall art films than this is not for you. If you have never watched a film in the genre, you should give it a try. A potential cult classic.