the death of empedocle

a film by Jean-Marie Straub • in cinemas on 14 October 1987 • 2h12

With

Andreas Von Rauch, Vladimir Baratta, Martina Baratta, Ute Cremer, Howard Vernon, William Berger

Synopsis

In 1798, Hölderlin wrote a tragedy on the symbolic death of Empedoclus, the legislator in Ancient Greece. The text may be difficult, but when recited well, the listener quickly falls under its spell. What do words matter? The rhythm, taking time to see and hear are all that count. Admittedly the films by Straub and Huillet are challenging, but their demands are on par with ours. La mort d’Empédocle is a refined sketch for our gaze to rest upon.

Download materials

Awards

Sélection officielle — Festival de Berlin 1987

Press

La mort d’Empédocle est une pure épure
Les Cahiers du Cinéma
Leur cinéma n’est pas qu’agréable, il est utile. Voire nécessaire.
Ecrans

Credits

Cinematography: Renato Berta
Editing: Jean-Marie Straub, Danielle Huillet
Sound: Louis Hochet, Georges Vaglio, Alessandro Zanon
Costumes: Danièle Huillet
Produced by: Les Films du Losange, Janus Films
With the participation of: Dopa Films, Télévision Hesse de la ville de Hambourg, F.F.A, CNC
French distribution: Les Films du Losange
International sales: Les Films du Losange