La ragazza Rosemarie

Although I came into the movie theater with high expectations for this film (which had been selected for my film class) I left a bit disappointed and a bit more confused. In short, I didn't like this movie. Artistically the movie was pleasing. The camera work was smooth and the shots were from creative angles (such as when Rosemarie visited her old domicile and the shot was of her feet walking in, somewhat showing how she was above that life now) and the scenes flowed nicely from one to the next. Content and plot-line were my biggest disappointments with this movie. Firstly, all of the characters in this film are static. There seems to be little character development in any of the characters. Each character interacts starkly with the next and neither seems to learn much from the next. Secondly, the plot-line in this movie was loose. The end of the film left many avenues open and some of the plot was not even tied together.

For example, the small apartment where Rosemarie lived at the beginning of the film was not explained at all during the film. Even the men who lived in the apartment weren't explained in effect or purpose. The story also switched from being somewhat comical, to stark and realistic, to unrealistic at the end. In short, this is a well-done movie that I didn't like.

I enjoyed this movie a good deal. The thing that stood out to me the most was the interesting camera angles. There were many times when the camera focused on an object instead of the people who were speaking. There was also many other interesting camera techniques. These various camera angles added to the over feeling of the film. This film also had a very interesting plot, showing how powerful the powerful are. No one can get too close to them, or know too much. The movie was darkly funny. There were many funny moments and even more irony. The most ironic part was the movie ending right where it began. It came full circle, and showed how small and invisible the poor were compared to the rich. The movie kept a constant contrast between the rich and the poor. The movie was full of black male, threats and using people. Everyone was pinned against everyone esle. This made the movie very interesting to me, but at the same time there was an entire subplot that was never made clear.

There was secrets about the factory and a conflict between the French man and the English that was never made clear. This made the movie a bit hard to enjoy, because we never get to know what is actually happening. And then there is Rosemarie in the middle of it all, and by leaving out all the details it allows the movie to focus on her story, after all thats what this movie is about. Overall, the camera angles and irony made this movie enjoyable to me.

Apart from being a well-made film, 'Das Mädchen Rosemarie' (= German for 'the girl Rosemarie') reflects very well the big dilemma in the 1950's West Germany of Chancellor Conrad Adenauer.

Conrad Adenauer lives on as one of Germany's great statesmen. He was responsible for the 'Wirtschaftswunder' (= German for 'the economic miracle', relating to West Germany's speedy recovery from the extensive damages of the lost Second World War). Adenauer rebuilt his country, and led it politically into the Western influence of the USA - making it a member of NATO.

However, in one respect Adenauer failed: he did not deal effectively with the many Nazi-sympathizers in his country. In particular with those in its leading circles. There were just too many of them, and their abilities could not be missed for the re-building of the West German economy.

It may be hard for Americans to appreciate, but 'Das Mädchen Rosemarie' is made special by this issue. The film emphasizes on the bankrupt moral state of mind of these business leaders - their former involvement with Adolf Hitler and his Nazi's is clearly written on their foreheads. In this respect this film's main theme, prostitution, connects very well.

'Das Mädchen Rosemarie' even makes a historical document. I know of no other film dealing in such a clear, sharp and ruthless way with Germany's big post-war moral dilemma. A dilemma vanished by now, for the vast majority of these Hitler-infected leaders have died.

"Das Mådchen Rosemarie" portrays an interesting view of a West German girl's

introduction to the capitalist society in which big companies and money

dominate. I found the film to be very interesting. I thought that the camera angles were very unique...especially in initial bar scene. I thought that moving the camera around the bar, without cutting, was a very unique way of viewing the room and all of the people in it. I think that the characters were acted out very well. Hartog was completely

stone cold. He rarely ever showed emotion on his face, other than deep

thought. Even in the end, when Rosemarie was attempting to get him to leave

his wife for her, he showed very little emotion. This was one aspect of the film that stood out to me. I particularly enjoyed the two young men who used their musical talents to help Rosemarie and later Rebecca on their way into the "big time." Although these two were essentially gold-digging scumbags, they introduced a fair amount of

humor and unique songs to the film. A perfect example of this humor was when they "tried out" various girls to see which would be the best to take Rosemarie's spot in their trio of sorts. In the middle of the movie, I thought the plot was a little shaky, but in the end it all came together perfectly. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the film and thought it portrayed capitalism wonderfully.

"Das Mädchen Rosemarie" offers a compelling tale of a West German call girl

caught up in the big money world of capitalism in the 50's. The title character is a resourceful, intelligent beauty who attempts to outwit morally corrupt

businessmen, and fails, losing her life. From the opening sequence which finds Rosemarie dancing below a hotel, "Das Mådchen" is full of vibrancy and life, containing an almost lyrical quality to the film. Singing is prevalent throughout the film, with Rosemarie's lowly

aquaintances providing social commentary with an accordion throughout the

movie. Along with this poetic quality, the film also finds strength through its stylish camera work. Full of extreme zooms and close-ups, the camera adds

real drama and a sense of urgency to the story. Nadja Tiller, as the call-girl Rosemarie, is electrifying, dominating the screen in every scene. Beautiful and resourceful, you never doubt her ability to outwit the West German

businessmen. The supporting cast is also very strong. As for weaknesses of the movie, the story does tend to drag along a bit, despite the music which is prevalent throughout. The main problem however,

is its hit you over the head method of displaying its message. The audience is constantly bombarded with messages of the ills of capitalism , most commonly displayed through the songs of Rosemaries friends , which are not-so-subtle

jabs at capitalism. While the merits of capitalism are certainly valid film topics, the constant barrage detracts from the movie. The story works on its own, and does not need the constant anti-capitalist messages. Stylistically, "Das Mådchen has echos of Hitchcock, with its dizzying camera work and morbid end. Despite this one major flaw, "Das Mådchen" is a colorful and enjoyable movie, complete with a tragic ending which lends an air of seriousness to the movie.