Deux (Werner Schroeter, 2002)

[Zillertal]

Deux

And it is so cheap! 15 Euros. But it only has Italian subtitles... Which is a pity for people who don't understand the language.

[Anonymous]

But you're not telling me those subs are burned-in?

Anyway, it's a fucking shame that this is a Schroeter DVD premier. He's the finest living German director besides Straub (who denies being German as hard as he can). Where are THE ROSE KING and THE DEATH OF MARIA MALIBRAN (which, by the way, can be seen here for free).

[denti alligator]

I'm assuming by the title and the main actress that this film is NOT in German, but in French. Am I wrong?

[Anonymous]

I'm assuming by the title and the main actress that this film is NOT in German, but in French. Am I wrong?

That's right.

[Barmy]

Deux is NOT one of his better films. I doubt anyone familar with his work would argue otherwise.

[Anonymous]

Deux is NOT one of his better films. I doubt anyone familar with his work would argue otherwise.

I hope you don't get a heart attack, but actually there are people who find DEUX wonderful. And yes, those people are familiar with Schroeter's work (probably more than you are).

[Barmy]

Let's see--according to the IMDB rankings, Deux ranks dead last, by a large margin. (Perhaps the presence of Arielle Dombasle is to blame.) I know this is a suspect way of ranking, but it's the only thing I can think of.

I'm sure there are people more familar with Werner's work than I am. I've only seen a few. But his 80s work is what brought him to "fame". To me it seems obvious to prefer to get these on DVD over Deux.

Despite Huppert's star power, Deux has been virtually unseen. Even Malina made the rounds in its day. Deux was OK from what I remember.

[Anonymous]

Let's see--according to the IMDB rankings, Deux ranks dead last, by a large margin. (Perhaps the presence of Arielle Dombasle is to blame.) I know this is a suspect way of ranking, but it's the only thing I can think of.

So you actually find those IMDB rankings important? I couldn't care less what those rankings say. A bunch of anonymous people whose aesthetics and tastes we are all unfamiliar with. All kinds of rankings seem completely ridiculous to me. When an eloquent, intelligent critic with immense film knowledge argues - in a well-written essay or review - why he/she doesn't like DEUX, then it's fine. But rankings from some mainstream website? Come on...

I'm sure there are people more familar with Werner's work than I am. I've only seen a few. But his 80s work is what brought him to "fame". To me it seems obvious to prefer to get these on DVD over Deux.

I agree with the fact that Schroeter made better films than DEUX, but I just don't like the way you express your opinion. So alright, YOU don't like DEUX that much, but the way you put it was completely inappropriate. Express your opinion, no matter what it's like, but please leave off the dictatorial approach, and don't try to sound objective. Evaluation of art is never objective. It's purely personal.

[Zillertal]

i just ordered it, i'll tell something about quality when it arrives. There is a Japanese release of Poussières D'Amour, and also Der Rosenkönig was released here in Portugal some time ago on VHS, unfortunatelly is now out of print. I heard rumors about Gemini releasing a dvd box with Schroeter films, but it's just a rumor and it's been around for some years so I have my doubts about its authenticity.

I liked Deux, I agree it's not Schroeter's best work, but it is a fine film nonetheless, and it's exciting to see Schroeter being released!

[Barmy]

Thanks for the tip on Poussières D'Amour. Who knew?

[Zillertal]

here it is for those interested.

[Barmy]

You can also get it at amazon.jp for a similar price. Mine is on its way.