In 1798, Hölderlin wrote a tragedy on the symbolic death of Empedoclus, the legislator in Ancient Greece. The text may be difficult, but when recited well, the listener quickly falls under its spell. What do words matter? The rhythm, taking time to see and hear are all that count. Admittedly the films by Straub and Huillet are challenging, but their demands are on par with ours. La mort d’Empédocle is a refined sketch for our gaze to rest upon.

a feature film

Official Selection, Berlin Festival, 1987