Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Enfant Terrible’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Enfant Terrible’.
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For the most part, movies that feature the life and times of a famous individual, work hard to recreate key moments from their lives and it is understandable as to why. Simply because that allows for the audience to feel as though they are genuinely bearing witness to an important moment in history, one that means the world to them and that really is an impactful way to make these types of motion pictures. Since we really do get a collective thrill over seeing someone we adore, take part in a powerful moment that was normally only enjoyed within the framework of our imagination. But while that definitely makes for a wonderful viewing experience, it is safe to say that this type of filmmaking is quite stylized in nature. Since they rarely feature the intimate and formative moments of the famous person in question. 
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But once in a great while, you run into a biographical picture that truly encapsulates the person it spotlights to a tee. Which has its pros and its cons. Because if such a story is done correctly, you’ll see their darkest hours and vulnerable moments. The kind that removes the mystique we associate with the famous person in question and for some… that’s a terrifying prospect since we have a firm image in our mind of who they are and what they should be. But truth be told, it would serve audiences better to see these folks in the raw, since it helps to remind us, that famous folks are people, that go through struggles like the rest of us, and they found success, because they are good at something special and dedicated to it. And it just so happens that there is a new BioPic on the market that offers up a frank and powerful examination, of the life and times of acclaimed director Rainer Werner Fassbinder in Enfant Terrible.

Now in this particular motion picture, we join Rainer in his early days as a director, when plays were his primary focus of work. Allowing for us to quickly understand that theater was the perfect place for him to cut his teeth and feed his desire to get behind the camera and well, once that happens… that’s where this particular film digs deep into Rainer in a manner that most BioPics avoid. For we are privy to a lot of intimate moments with Rainer. The kind that really help us to understand what kind of decision making went into assembling his unique and progressive motion pictures and seeing that in action is quite fascinating for certain since we are so rarely privy to such an exploration on screen and what’s amazing is that this film works even harder to truly plunge the audience into Rainer’s head. 

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A feat this story accomplishes, by offering up some of the most unique set designs one has ever seen in a BioPic. Because there are no accurate recreations to be found here, nor are there visits to important places that Rainer visited in his life. Instead, every scene in this movie is brought to life on a hastily assembled set. One that is only half dressed or resembles a storyboard and the whole point of putting together sets like this to explore key moments in Rainer’s life… is to help us climb inside his head and see the world as he does. Which is a stroke of genius for certain, since it ties in wonderfully with Rainer’s musings on how all of life is cinema and storytelling and while set design isn’t something one often talks about in reviews, it really is quite important here, since it also helps to add a fascinating layer of intimacy. 
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Because that particular choice removes any visual distractions, allowing for us to truly see Rainer the man, not the legend and that allows for his insecurities and fears and anger to be put on full display. Which helps the viewer to understand that he is a genuinely flawed man like the rest of us, one that wanted everything we want out of life and sadly… never found the love he so desperately craved and never made the masterpiece he wanted to make. Nor did he ever seem to find true satisfaction and joy with his work and that stunning twist, makes this one powerful biopic when all is said and done. One that presents a great and revered mind in the absolute raw and takes the viewer on quite the visceral experience.    

One that oddly is quite inspirational in nature. Because despite the fact that Rainer lived his life full of doubt and fear and outright loneliness… nothing ever stopped him from living his dream, and we can in fact... take a great deal away from how he handled that. Because being fearless and eager to disregard the word 'no' and negative advice in general, definitely has its benefits. As does sticking to one's guns when it comes to our vision for the future and well, that's really the legacy that Rainer leaves behind and that lesson definitely makes this movie a worthwhile watch. Because you can never go wrong with a story that offers up a positive message and takes us on quite the emotional ride, and getting a firsthand understanding of what makes Rainer tick, handles that latter element and well, if you've got a couple of hours to spare and would like to expand your horizons in regard to cinema and the creative process, then please give Enfant Terrible​, a look. 

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