Freak Orlando Poster

Freak Orlando 1981

★ 5.316 votes126 min📅 1981-11-06

Ulrike Ottinger's *Freak Orlando (1981)* is a dazzling, surreal comedy-fantasy that follows the enigmatic Orlando through five distinct, visually extravagant segments.

Director: Ulrike Ottinger

Cast

Magdalena Montezuma
Magdalena Montezuma
Orlando, als Pilger, Orlando Zyldopa, Orlando Orlanda, Orlando Capricho, Mr. Orlando, The Entertainer Mrs. Orlando
Delphine Seyrig
Delphine Seyrig
Helena Müller, als Lebensbaumgöttin, Kaufhausonsängerin, Mutter der Wundergeburt, Helena-Maya, Siamese sister Lena, Bunny Helena
Albert Heins
Herbert Zeus, as Manager of the department store, Priest, Gladiator, Physician-head of Psychiatry, Salesman for Pharmaceuticals
Claudio Pantoja
Zwei Tänzer, Department Store Detectives, Acrobats, Moines, Cerbere, Human-birds, Nurses
Hiro Uchiyama
Hiro Uchiyama
Zwei Tänzer, Department Store Detectives, Acrobats, Moines, Cerbere, Human-birds, Nurses
Galli
Chronistin
Eddie Constantine
Eddie Constantine
Säulenheiliger
Else Nabu
Heilige Wilgeforte
Maria Bucholt
Kleine Menschen
Paul Glauer
Kleine Menschen

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Freak Orlando (1981) about?

*Freak Orlando (1981)* is a surreal, multi-part fantasy that chronicles the adventures of a shape-shifting woman named Orlando, portrayed by Magdalena Montezuma. Each segment explores her encounters with eccentric characters and bizarre scenarios, blending humor with social commentary. The film's disjointed structure mirrors a dream, inviting viewers into a world where norms are playfully yet pointedly challenged.

Who directed Freak Orlando?

Ulrike Ottinger directed *Freak Orlando (1981)*, bringing her signature avant-garde style to this visually bold and thematically rich comedy-fantasy.

Who stars in Freak Orlando?

The film stars Magdalena Montezuma in the titular role, alongside Delphine Seyrig and Claudio Pantoja, with supporting performances from Albert Heins, Hiro Uchiyama, and Galli.

Is Freak Orlando (1981) worth watching?

*Freak Orlando (1981)* is a cult favorite among fans of surreal cinema, offering a unique blend of humor and social critique wrapped in dazzling visuals. While not mainstream, its fearless creativity and thematic depth make it a rewarding watch for those who appreciate offbeat, thought-provoking films. If you love avant-garde storytelling, Ottinger's work is absolutely worth exploring.

How long is Freak Orlando?

The runtime of *Freak Orlando (1981)* is 126 minutes, or just over two hours.

About Freak Orlando (1981) — A Surreal Comedy-Fantasy Journey Through Identity and Absurdity

Ulrike Ottinger's *Freak Orlando (1981)* is a dazzling, surreal comedy-fantasy that follows the enigmatic Orlando through five distinct, visually extravagant segments. Played with magnetic intensity by Magdalena Montezuma, Orlando shapeshifts through a series of surreal personas—each embodying eccentricities and deformities that challenge conventional beauty and identity. The film blends grotesque humor with dreamlike storytelling, creating an atmosphere that feels both playful and provocative. With its kaleidoscopic imagery and fearless exploration of the bizarre, Ottinger crafts a cinematic experience that's as thought-provoking as it is visually arresting.

Delphine Seyrig and Claudio Pantoja join Montezuma in a cast that elevates the film's surreal charm, while Ottinger's direction leans into the absurd, weaving themes of transformation, liberation, and societal norms into its fabric. *Freak Orlando (1981)* is a cult classic that defies easy categorization, offering a bold, unforgettable journey into the fringes of fantasy and identity.