Questions for the Discussion
"The Marriage of Maria Braun"
(Die Ehe der Maria Braun)
by Rainer W. Fassbinder (1978)
with Hanna Schygulla
General questions about the film
- What do the bombs at the beginning and the explosion at the end
of the film symbolize?
- The film is as a historic document. Describe.
- What is the function of the background noises, radio announcements,
construction, etc.?
- What are your impressions of Germany (Berlin) after WWII?
- What is being said about:
- Construction, reconstruction and destruction
- Wealth and Control/ Power
- Survival and Prosperity
- American soldiers and Germans
- Gender and Race
- Love and Emotions
- Honesty and Deception
- Does the name Hermann Braun symbolize anything? Who was Hermann
-- Braun?
Specific question about Maria’s character and
actions
- What is the role of the woman in the reconstruction of Germany
after 1945?
- How would you describe Maria’s relationship
with men: Hermann, Bill, Oswald?
- Describe the image of the women (Maria, her mother, Betty, etc.)
of that time?
- Does Maria embody post-war Germany? Describe.
- How would you describe Maria’s character?
- What particular role do the clothes assume
when describing Maria’s
character?
- How does Maria try to survive and accumulate wealth?
- Maria is both a unique person and one
of many. Describe this!
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