I vaguely remember the shocked reactions to this film when it was released in 1981, but I have only just seen it for the first time, nearly 40 years later. As other reviewers have pointed out, it is hardly an "erotic comedy"; in fact, its general mood is gloomy. Berlin is presented as a grim metropolis where it is always cold and wet and the skies are always grey. Frank Ripploh lives in a cheap shabby flat. His sex life is a series of one-off encounters, often in public lavatories.
The problem I have with this film is that it doesn't work as cinema. It is more like a documentary, consisting of a series of short scenes which are presented without commentary or continuity. There is no plot to speak of and no dramatic tension. Even the sex scenes seem more like an instructional video for gay beginners.
It seemed to me a lot longer than its 90 minutes and my only feeling at the end was one of relief. Watch it if you like for its historical interest, but don't expect to enjoy it.
Review of Taxi to the Toilet
