We are lucky to be in a world where LGBTQ+ filmmakers and stories have a wide-reaching spotlight. From dramas to genre films, representation is wonderful. Sometimes, however, it is good to remember before this golden era and honor the masters of the past who pushed boundaries to get us where we are. A notable gay filmmaker of the 20th century is German filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder, a writer, director, and actor who lived a short life but left an integral impact and helped spawn the German ’70s new wave scene that also launched filmmakers like Wim Wenders and Werner Herzog. Now, soon releasing in theaters comes an affectionate tribute to Fassbinder’s films and the man himself in “Peter Von Kant,” written and directed by François Ozon (“Summer of 85,” “8 Women”).
Following its premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival in February and an initial trailer for the film releasing in June, a final trailer for “Peter Von Kant” is now online ahead of its limited release in theaters this Fall.
“Peter Von Kant” is a loose adaptation of “The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant,” the 1972 film by Fassbinder. On top of utilizing gender swaps of its primary characters, the film tweaks the occupations and other aspects of its core characters better to reflect the iconic German director’s life and career. With most of its plot taking place in a singular apartment location mirroring the setting of the original and a sturdy cast of talented French actors, fans of the cinema of Rainer Werner Fassbinder should have this remake-slash-tribute on their radar.
READ MORE: ‘Possession’ & The Essential Performances Of Isabelle Adjani
Here’s the official synopsis:
Peter Von Kant, a successful, famous director, lives with his assistant Karl, whom he likes to mistreat and humiliate. Through the great actress Sidonie, he meets and falls in love with Amir, a handsome young man of modest means. He offers to share his apartment and help Amir Break into the world of cinema.
Starring Denis Ménochet (“Inglourious Bastards“), the legendary Isabelle Adjani (“Posession“), Hannah Schygulla, Khalil Gharbia, Stéphane Crépon and Aminthe Audiard, “Peter Von Kant” releases in theaters in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle on September 2 via Strand Releasing. Watch the new trailer below.