World On A Wire (1973)

World On A Wire (1973) – A scientist working on an advanced computer system questions the death of his superior and is drawn into a maddening series of conflicts that will bring him to question reality.

Director: Rainer Werner Fassbinder                 Starring:Klaus Löwitsch, Barbara Valentin, Mascha                                                                                                             Rabben

Originally made as a two-part television mini-series, this is the only science fiction movie done by avante garde icon Rainer Werner Fassbinder, this movie was a challenge for me.  First, as a movie, it is long.  Over three hours long.  That challenge is compounded by the emphasis on style over story that you find in movies of this genre.  It is often compared to Jean Luc Goddard’s “Alphaville“, which I struggled with as well.  The plot is a minor point in the movie, while the “look” gets a great deal of time onscreen.  That will always make the movie difficult for me as a viewer.

Fassbinder was known for his high-speed production style, and it shows here.  The acting is often awful, looking every bit the “use the first take” style.  The only thing that’s science fiction about the movie is the concept.  A computer simulation program that the government can use to predict future trends, especially economic ones.  The scientists battle the businessmen for the “soul” of the project.  It’s all presented in a low budget, cheesy style that never ages well.

Any modern science fiction fan should see the twist coming by the first half hour of the movie.  That makes the length even harder to bear.  “World On A Wire” is a clear precursor to movies like “Bladerunner” and “The Matrix”.  It looks at the border between reality and simulation and wonders how much that border can be blurred.  Once you figure out the punchline, some of the other annoying parts of the movie become clear.  Many of the characters, but especially the female ones, are robotic in their responses.  They are extras in the crowd scenes.  As is the intrusive and irritating soundtrack.  It also gave some sense to the presence of mirrors everywhere!  They all serve a purpose, which is nice, but after 90 minutes of it, I was ready to move on.

For Fassbinder fans, this movie was a lost treasure.  It disappeared for a long time before resurfacing a couple decades later.  I can understand the excitement in that community to get access to this movie, but I can’t generate much of the same excitement myself.  In the end, the movie only offers a few interesting points along the way.

Why You Will Like It: If you enjoy avante garde films, this one is right in your wheelhouse.  An interesting concept that would have been an interesting movie if it had stopped an hour sooner than it did.

Rating – ** Not Impressed