Berlin Alexanderplatz par c1nephile

Berlin Alexanderplatz (2020) is a fantastic film in my opinion. Quebani’s adaptation of Döblin’s famous book, much like Fassbinder’s in 1980, takes significant liberties, which becomes the film’s strength. In this version, Franz is a Guinean immigrant who survived crossing the Mediterranean and aims to survive in the ‘alternative Berlin’ amidst immigrants, drugs, crime, and more, a journey we follow closely.

What captivates me is the blend of dreamlike sequences, notably in the nightclub or Franz’s mind, with the harsh reality faced by immigrants in Germany. The movie, with its deeply unsettling events, particularly when Franz loses an arm or when Rheinhold kills his girlfriend, truly knots your stomach. The staging, always navigating between dream and reality, is incredibly powerful.

Certain scenes are strikingly staged. They’re intense, eerie, and profoundly thought-provoking, such as when Franz’s wife discovers where the immigrants live. The love story between two marginalized individuals—an immigrant and a sex worker—is beautifully portrayed and deeply moving.

However, I felt that Berlin wasn’t depicted authentically enough. More glimpses into everyday life in the city could have added depth. At times, the film seemed overly focused on the plot, lacking daring risks, although its portrayal of marginalization is impactful.