Medium Cool

Medium Cool

Director: Haskell Wexler
Country: USA

1969 | 111 min. | English
Subtitles: German

Cast_ Robert Forster, Verna Bloom, Peter Bonerz, Marianna Hill Screenplay_ Haskell Wexler Camera_ Haskell Wexler Producer_ Tully Friedman, Haskell Wexler Rights_ Park Circus

The year 1968 – numerous riots shake the USA. Haskell Wexler's feature is a unique contemporary document and a key work of New Hollywood.

The turbulent 1960s are nearing their end, while also reaching the height of their turmoil. Haskell Wexler, one of the most celebrated cinematographers of his generation, decides to make a film about his country. At the center: news reporter John and the single mother Eileen, who has only recently moved to the city. Surprisingly, the two find themselves in the middle of current events. He is shocked to learn that the FBI are sifting through his footage, and Eileen's son disappears in the run-up to the Democratic National Convention, which is rocked by violent riots. ›Medium Cool‹ is a political statement and a philosophical contribution to the discourse whose semi-documentary aesthetic proved hugely influential. Awarded the Grand Prize of the City of Mannheim in 1969.

Director

Haskell Wexler was one of the most influential cinematographers from the United States. His works include ›Who's Afraid of Virgina Wolf?‹ (1966), ›In the Heat of the Night‹ (1967), and ›Days of Heaven‹ (1978). As a director, he made four films. He died in Santa Monica in 2015

Screenings

  • Friday 12.11.202118:45HeidelbergHDKarlstorkino
  • Saturday 13.11.202119:00MannheimMACinema Quadrat