The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant (1972) Criterion 1080p BluRay x265 HEVC AAC-SARTRE

This tale of intermingled love and hate is directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and is the 13th of the 33 films he made in his short life. It explores the universal dynamics present in close human relationships, even lesbian ones. Petra Von Kant (Margit Carstensen) is a fashion designer. Some time ago, she divorced the husband she no longer loved. Until recently, she has been in a fairly satisfactory S & M relationship with her assistant. When she develops an obsession with her fashion model, however, things become far more complicated.

Extras

• Outsiders - In this new documentary film, actors Hanna Schygulla (Karin Thimm), Margit Carstensen (Petra von Kant), Eva Mattes (Gabriele von Kant), and Katrin Schaake (Sidonie von Grasenabb) discuss their contributions to The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, the film's visual style (and specifically its theatrical qualities and Michael Ballhaus' lensing), the relationships between the main characters and the film's message, Rainer Werner Fassbinder's directing methods and the group of actors he felt most comfortable working with (the Anti-Theater troupe), the German director's relationship with Gunther Kaufmann (who was Karin Thimm's model in real life), etc. The documentary film was produced by Criterion in 2014. In German and English, with optional English subtitles where necessary. (31 min, 720p).

• Michael Ballhaus - In this new video interview, cinematographer Michael Ballhaus discusses his professional relationship with Rainer Werner Fassbinder, which began with Whity, the German director's admiration for Douglas Sirk's work, and some of the unique challenges he faced during the shooting of The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant. The interview was conducted exclusively for Criterion in Berlin in 2014. In English, not subtitled. (8 min, 720p).

• Jane Shattuc - In this new video interview, Jane Shattuc, professor of visual and media arts at Emerson College and author of Television, Tabloids, and Tears: Fassbinder and Popular Culture, discusses Rainer Werner Fassbinder's fascinating relationship with the actors from the Anti-Theater troupe, his treatment of women in front and behind the camera, the Brechtian qualities of his films, his admiration for Douglas Sirk's melodramas, the victims and victimizers in The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant, etc. The interview was conducted exclusively for Criterion in September 2014. In English, not subtitled. (24 min, 720p).

• Role Play: Women on R. W. Fassbinder - Presented here is an archival documentary film which was produced by Thomas Honickel for German television in 1992. Actors Hanna Schygulla, Irm Hermann, Margit Carstensen, and Rosel Zech discuss their complex personal and professional relationships with Rainer Werner Fassbinder, the manner in which he frequently provoked some of them, how during the shooting of The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant occasionally the line that separated the personalities of the women they played from their own was blurred, the German director's fondness for Hollywood cinema and strong female stars (Barbara Stanwyck and Bette Davis), the difficult relationship he had with his mother, his romantic life, etc. In German, with optional English subtitles. (59 min, 720p).