Marlene

Directed by Maximilian Schell

Actor Schell faced the daunting task of making a documentary about a legendary star who agreed to talk for the tape recorder but not face the cameras. Thus 12 original hours of audiotapes are pared down to reveal a feisty personality reluctant to reveal anything new and often downright dismissive of her own work and past. The pair’s verbal sparring provides the background to clips from her films and later stage shows. Revealing and entertaining.

Duration:
94 minutes

Country of origin:
West Germany

Year of production:
1983