›Seduction: The Cruel Woman‹, FRG 1985, Direction: Elfi Mikesch, Monika Treut
Copyright: Salzgeber & Co Medien GmbH
Verführung: Die grausame Frau
Si̇nema Transtopia
Wanda is both a mysterious dominatrix and a smart businesswoman. Her job is to be cruel, with the specialty of luring her lovers into the trap called seduction. In her art gallery in the port of Hamburg, Wanda stages sadomasochistic rituals as bizarre stage shows. She is also a commanding dominatrix in her private life. The film, based on the novel ‘Venus in Furs’ by Sacher-Masoch, triggered widespread reactions: With its BDSM scenes, the film not only angered the then Federal Minister of the Interior and the Catholic Film Service; it also caused controversy in lesbian and feminist circles. Some celebrated its subversive power, while others were disturbed by its radical display of sadomasochistic fantasies. Today, the work is considered an avant-garde-surreal milestone and a form of queer self-expression.
FRG 1985, Elfi Mikesch, Monika Treut, 84 min, OV with ENG subtitles
Film talk with Elfi Mikesch, Monika Treut
Moderation: Heleen Gerritsen (Deutsche Kinemathek)
In German
| Tickets | €9 |
| When | Fri 24.10.25, 21:00 |
| Where |
Si̇nema Transtopia |
Zusatzinfos im Slider
Film details
Film data
D & SP: Elfi Mikesch, Monika Treut
DoP: Elfi Mikesch
E: Renate Merck
S: Cäsar Gremmler
C: Mechthild Grossmann, Udo Kier, Sheila McLaughlin, Carola Regnier, Georgette Dee, Peter Weibel, Judith Flex
P: Hyena Films, Hamburg
Original format: 16 mm, 1:1.37, color
Screening print: 2K DCP, 84 min, Salzgeber & Co. Medien
Restoration info
For the digital restoration, the original 16 mm negative was scanned in 2K. The grading was supervised by Monika Treut and Martin Heckmann (Kinopost).
Film talk
Elfi Mikesch and Monika Treut in conversation with Heleen Gerritsen (Artistic director, Deutsche Kinemathek)