Movie Description
Set in 1970s Germany, Leopold [Bernard Giraudeau], a 50-year-old businessman, seduces 20-year-old Franz [Malik Zidi]. They fall deeply in love and move in together. The rest of the movie focuses on the emotional turmoil that both endure as they grow apart, bickering over things of little importance. A twist halfway through the story adds a chaotic comic element, as Franz and Leopold are joined by their ex-girlfriends. WATER DROPS ON BURNING ROCKS was adapted by writer/director Francois Ozon from a play called "Tropfen Auf Heisse Steine" that was written by Rainer Werner Fassbinder when he was 19 years old, but was never before produced.
| Credits | | Producer: | Marc Missonnier, Olivier Delbosc | | Cast: | Anna Thomson, Ludivine Sagnier, Malik Zidi |
Notes
Theatrical release: July 12, 2000 (LA/NY):
Francois Ozon has directed the black comedies CRIMINAL LOVERS and SITCOM.
Rainer Werner Fassbinder died in 1982 at the age of 36, after making over 40 films, almost all based on life in post-war Germany.
Fassbinder was known for working fast and on tight budgets, and these are aspects of film direction that Francois Ozon has also adopted. Ozon is a huge admirer of Fassbinder's work.
Fassbinder's films THE MERCHANT OF FOUR SEASONS and THE BITTER TEARS OF PETRA VON KANT are movies upon which Ozon modeled the flat lighting and minimalistic sets in WATER DROPS ON BURNING ROCKS.
At the time that WATER DROPS ON BURNING ROCKS was released, Ozon was working on his next feature, UNDER THE SAND (SOUS LE SABLE).
Anna Thomson is American, and though she's a friend of Ozon's, he had no idea that she speaks French. In fact, she grew up in France and studied the language for 16 years. Ozon realized she was perfect for the part of Vera.
Editorial Reviews
"...A brilliant satire of emotional politics....Mr. Ozon's movie is sure to enthrall Fassbinder fans..."
New York Times - pp.E1-E5 - A. O. Scott (07/12/2000)
"...A treat for devotees of European film culture....A complex film experience..."
Sight and Sound - p.64-5 - Richard Falcon (11/01/2000)
"...Acid twists on love don't come much keener..."
Total Film - Kevin Harley (11/01/2000)
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