I saw the German film “Baader-Meinhof Komplex” yesterday. There was a scene in which a group of the RAF kill a German cabinet Minister in his home. As they are leaving the voice-over says: “…the Minister had no problem sending countless soldiers to their deaths in wars – but was dumbfounded when confronted with the reality of his own death.” Ironical. An interesting film chronicling a very torn period in US and European history.
This was the book of photographs that Astrid Proll published in 1998 on the RAF. Originally, the book was entitled “Photos on the Run: 1967 – 1977”. A friend had given me an original hardbound copy when I lived in Sun Valley, ID. After the World Trade Center was attacked – I threw the book away in disgust. To find the same original copy today, if you can locate it in Germany, will cost you $300USD large. It has, however, been published again. Oddly, this newer publication is entitled “Hans und Grete”, which forced a reacquaintance with “Hansel and Gretel”, the mediaeval tale by the Brothers Grimm. I had forgotten about that fairy tale – but to describe it as Grimm is to undercook the story. Very creepy. It seems, in retrospect, that it should be reconsidered as a kid’s tale.
I read that Jim Jarmusch when filming, “Ghost Dog”, asked Disney if he could use some of Disney’s cartoon footage in his film. Disney declined, saying that they didn’t want their cartoons shown in a violent context. Jarmusch’s counterpoint was – cartoons have more violence in them than most films… Ironical. And to that end – we shall say – Good Morrow.