Ludwig - Requiem for a Virgin King (Hans-Jürgen Syberberg, 1972, West Germany/Austria)
Ludwig - Requiem for a Virgin King is the first part in Hans-Jürgen Syberberg’s trilogy on German history, followed by Karl May and the director’s most well-known work, the 8-hour opus Hitler - A Film from Germany . These films do not attempt to render a realistic portrayal of the figures presented, but rather attempt to reckon with their meaning to German culture. Ludwig is established in a tableaux style, and uses various episodes imagined from the life of the “mad king of Bavaria.” Syberberg’s films are not for everyone. Even compared to his contemporaries in the New German Cinema movement, he stands alone (though he does use some of the same actors as Fassbinder). Ludwig is a bit more digestible due to its length - just over two hours. The film is also probably more enjoyable or interesting the more you know about Ludwig and German history. Wagnerians will find the film of particular interest, not only as the film touches on Ludwig’s patronage and relationship with Wagner, but a...
