Film noir, which enjoyed particular success in the 1930s and 1940s, is probably the most profound genre of classic Hollywood cinema. Eckhart Schmidt tries to show the background and developments and speaks, among others, with directors such as Richard Fleischer and Robert Wise as well as with "femme fatale" actresses. Filmmakers of the following generations explain how the style and themes of noir continue to shape cinema today.
Adaptation of 'The Flying Dutchman', recorded at the Bavarian State Opera.
Documentary about Marilyn Monroe: 1962: America loses its blonde icon. Marilyn Monroe dies under mysterious circumstances. How did she die? The police report states: probable suicide. But there are many things that point to murder: a corpse draped too beautifully, an investigation that was cut short, evidence that disappeared. Plus Marilyn's affairs with the then US President John F. Kennedy and his brother Bobby. What really happened on that fateful summer night? After her housekeeper discovers the body, six hours pass before the police are called. She finds a beautifully draped corpse, sleeping pills in the blood but no pill residue in the stomach, witnesses who seem uncertain. The first investigator thinks about murder - and is taken off the case. Today no police files can be found.
Documentary about Hollywood.
Seven girls doing a crazy seven-veils-dance.
Starting out as e-mail pen pals, Daniel and Laura soon fall in love. Only problem is that she lives in Germany and he lives in Los Angeles. When they finally arrange to meet in person, they discover that there is no chemistry between them.
A documentary about stage and film director Julie Taymor
Documentary about Alfred Hitchcocks infatuation with blondes.
Ekchart Schmidt examines the machinery behind the dream factory; the Hollywood myth is unmasked. How does the studio industry work? What role does marketing and the hype surrounding the stars play?
Documentary about American gangster movies.
Documentary about the 2004 movie 'Der Untergang' aka. 'Downfall'
Inspired by Titian's painting of the same name, the film tells the dramatic-grotesque story of two friends. A dazzling ritual of good and evil, and in the end, earthly love may be more heavenly than heavenly love.
Drama by Eckhart Schmidt.
Behind the flowers the girls are waiting for love and salvation.
Documentary about Raoul Walsh
The German actress talks about her life.
Aspiring actors and actresses talk about making it in Hollywood and how they perceive this world. Casting directors and filmmakers also share their perspectives.
Documentary about the dark side of Los Angeles.
Documentary about opera production and the life of theatre stars.
Adaptation of "Der Prinz von Homburg"; recorded at the Bavarian State Opera.
