Activists weaponize escalators against the nuclear power mafia in this bonkers 1989 documentary.
An initiative discusses a videotape in which a group of activists portrays themselves and their work against the "nuclear power mafia." After argumentatively and polemically confronting the economic and political power of the energy industry, the activists call for the shutdown of escalators to counteract people's electro-paralysis.
Acting
Eva Mattes brings legit screen presence to activist reenactments.
Direction
Wember blends satire and agitprop without losing the rage.
Director
Bernward Wember
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film emerged from West Germany's fragmented anti-nuke movement, post-Chernobyl but pre-unification, when escalators symbolized passive consumerist flow.
Eva Mattes was already a Fassbinder regular; her participation lent this micro-budget project serious New German Cinema credibility.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
DE
