This biopic centers on Knut Hamsun, a celebrated author in his native Norway. When fascism sweeps through Germany in the 1930s, the writer shocks his countrymen by allying himself with Hitler. Hamsun’s wife, Marie , also joins the Nazi cause, and goes so far as to tour in Germany, hosting public speaking engagements in the country. After the war ends, the author and his wife are further vilified in Norway, and ultimately sentenced for crimes against the state.
Category: Biography
This biographical film, based on the life of French artist Paul Gauguin, follows the painter as he returns to Paris after a long stay in Tahiti and must confront his wife, his children, and his former lover.
The story of Benvenuto Cellini (1500-1571), a soldier and one of the most important craftsmen and artists of Renaissance Italy, whose life was marked by many achievements and adventures, but also crimes.
Acclaimed British filmmaker Peter Watkins collaborates with twenty-four students from the Swedish Folk High School in Biskops-Arno to craft this highly unconventional look at the life of controversial 19th Century dramatist August Stindberg. An iconoclast who flouted the conventions of then-contemporary society to promote political and social change, Stindberg and his freethinking followers were considered outcasts whose revolutionary ideas posed a great danger to the standards of society. By purposefully structuring his film in a carefully layered, spiral manner, director Watkins aims to reflect the filmmaker’s admitted concern over the influence of mass media while simultaneously suggesting ways in which that same media might share its unique power with the people in the not-so-distant future.
The story of Ernie Kovacs, a talented radio and TV presenter and entertainer ahead of his time, who tried to make his shows as innovative and quirky as budget and censorship would allow. Ignored during life, celebrated after death.
The legendary actress Sarah Bernhardt’s unconventional life and career are examined in this biopic. At an audition in 1860, the teenage Bernhardt proclaims herself the greatest actress of her time. Her career blossoms, as does her private life. But art and life don’t stay balanced, much to the frustration of her lovers. The eccentric Bernhardt eventually does marry another actor, but it’s her life on stage that ultimately gives her the most satisfaction.
Based on true events and featuring actual news footage, this film tells the story of Placido Rizzotto, who, after a tumultuous childhood and adolescence, decides to stand up against the gangsters who have overrun his hometown. Placido organizes a union and tries to convince his fellow villagers to fight with him. But it’s not until Placido’s girlfriend, Lia, is ruthlessly brutalized by the Mafia that he realizes he has been playing with fire.