I found this movie difficult to watch the first time I saw it, and after the initial shock faded, I found myself drawn back into this tragic tale of a desperate human being. Elviras character has to be one of the most pitifully human in the history of cinema, and the recounting of her last few days alive are rife with powerful imagery ( especially the haunting slaughter-house scene...not for the weak of stomach! Vegans beware!) to convey an extraordinarily beautiful, heart-wrenching tale. The story is loosely based on one of Fassbinder's own lover who committed suicide, and perhaps it is that personal background that infuses the film with a palpable sense of reality... few films have felt more true to me than In a Year of 13 Moons.
Fassbinder's approach in this film is a little different than in say, Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, there is less dialog, perhaps to convey the loneliness and hopelessness of Elvira in her final moments. The acting is superb, and the characters will stay with you long after you turn your TV off. I would recommend the Criterion edition for anyone interested in the film, its chock-cull of extra features, and a really cool introduction by Austin filmmaker Richard Linklater.
Fassbinder's approach in this film is a little different than in say, Ali: Fear Eats the Soul, there is less dialog, perhaps to convey the loneliness and hopelessness of Elvira in her final moments. The acting is superb, and the characters will stay with you long after you turn your TV off. I would recommend the Criterion edition for anyone interested in the film, its chock-cull of extra features, and a really cool introduction by Austin filmmaker Richard Linklater.