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WELT AM DRAHT (1973)

Fassbinder’s two-part TV sci-fi anticipates both Blade Runner and The Matrix.

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Film details

Featuring

Klaus Löwitsch Mascha Rabben Adrian Hoven
Country

Federal Republic of Germany
Year

1973
Genres

Crime Science Fiction
Type

Television
Category

Fiction

Alternative titles

The WORLD ON A WIRE Alternative

Introduction

This two-part sci-fi series for WDR Television is a real revelation – stylistically dazzling, disquieting and hugely enjoyable.

Based on the novel Simulacron 3 by Daniel F Galouye, it follows a research scientist’s investigation into the mysterious death of his predecessor at the Institute for Cybernetics and Futurology.

Combining action-packed adventure with philosophical speculation, Fassbinder’s one foray into science fiction anticipates Blade Runner and The Matrix, foreshadowing anxieties around artificial intelligence and virtual reality; it’s also the ultimate Fassbinderian nightmare about a world full of people living false lives.

Cast & Credits

Cast
- - Fred Stiller
    
    Klaus Löwitsch
  - Eva
    
    Mascha Rabben
  - Vollmer
    
    Adrian Hoven
  - Lause
    
    Ivan Desny
  - Gloria
    
    Barbara Valentin
  - Siskins
    
    Karl-Heinz Vosgerau
  - Wolfgang
    
    Günter Lamprecht
  - Schmist-Gentner
    
    Margit Carstensen
  - Hahn
    
    Wolfgang Schenk
  - Edelkern
    
    Joachim Hansen
  - Hartmann
    
    Rudolf Lenz
  - Holm
    
    Kurt Raab
  - Lehner
    
    Karl Scheydt
  - Stuhlfaut
    
    Rainer Hauer
  - Rupp
    
    Ulli Lommel
  - Weinlaub
    
    Heinz Meier
  - Hirse
    
    Peter Chatel
  - journalist
    
    Ingrid Caven
  - man in car
    
    Eddie Constantine
  - Einstein
    
    Gottfried John
  - cleaning lady
    
    Elma Karlowa
  - cast member
    
    Christine Kaufmann
  - cast member
    
    Rainer Langhans
  - doctor
    
    Bruce Low
  - cast member
    
    Karsten Peters
  - cast member
    
    Katrin Schaake
  - caretaker
    
    Walter Sedlmayr
  - policeman
    
    El Hedi ben Salem
  - cast member
    
    Christiane Maybach
  - cast member
    
    Rudolf Waldemar Brem
  - cast member
    
    Peter Kern
  - cast member
    
    Ernst Küsters
  - cast member
    
    Peter Moland
  - cast member
    
    Doris Mattes
  - secretary
    
    Lilo Pempeit
  - cast member
    
    Solange Pradel
  - cast member
    
    Maryse Delannoy
  - cast member
    
    Werner Schroeter
  - cast member
    
    Magdalena Montezuma
  - cast member
    
    Corinna Brocher
  - cast member
    
    Peter Gauhe
  - cast member
    
    Dora Karras-Frank
Credits
- Unknown:
  - Director
    
    Rainer Werner Fassbinder
  - Production Company
    
    WDR - Westdeutscher Rundfunk
  - Producer
    
    Peter Märthesheimer
  - Producer
    
    Alexander Weseman
  - Assistant Director
    
    Renate Leiffer
  - Assistant Director
    
    Fritz Müller-Scherz
  - Screenplay
    
    Fritz Müller-Scherz
  - Screenplay
    
    Rainer Werner Fassbinder
  - Based on the novel 'Simulacron-3' by
    
    Daniel F. Galouye
  - Director of Photography
    
    Michael Ballhaus
  - Editor
    
    Marie Anne Gerhardt
  - Art Director
    
    Kurt Raab
  - Music
    
    Gottfried Hüngsberg

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