Faustrecht der Freheit (1975)

In this funny and sad tale, Fox wins the lottery and falls in love with ‘posh and prissy’ Eugen.
Way ahead of its time, this film presents characters who are unproblematically gay. Fox, an ex-fairground worker, wins the lottery and falls in love with ‘posh and prissy’ Eugen (Chatel) but is mocked and exploited by his boyfriend’s family and friends. Outstanding in the title role, Fassbinder exudes vitality and vulnerability. It’s both savagely funny and desperately sad.
1975 Federal Republic of Germany
Directed by
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Produced by
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Written by
Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Featuring
Peter Chatel, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Karlheinz Böhm
Running time
123 minutes