News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital 2008
Dive into *News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital* (2008), Alexander Kluge's sprawling 570-minute documentary that bridges cinema, theory, and history.
Director: Alexander Kluge
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital* (2008) about?
The film traces Soviet filmmaker Sergei Eisenstein's abandoned quest to adapt Karl Marx's *Capital* into a cinematic masterpiece, blending his notes with broader philosophical musings. Alexander Kluge expands on this premise through associative discussions, linking Eisenstein's ideas to themes of labor, history, and cultural theory.
Who directed *News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital*?
Alexander Kluge, the acclaimed German filmmaker and writer, directs this ambitious documentary.
Who stars in *News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital*?
The documentary features Sophie Rois, Hannelore Hoger, and Helge Schneider among its key contributors, alongside a rotating cast of theorists and artists.
Is *News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital* (2008) worth watching?
As a documentary for cinephiles and intellectuals, it's a rewarding challenge—more than nine hours of dense, rewarding theory. While niche, its ambition and Kluge's direction make it a standout for fans of experimental nonfiction.
How long is *News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital*?
The film runs for 570 minutes, or nine and a half hours.
About News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital (2008) — A 570-minute deep dive into Eisenstein's lost Marxist epic
Dive into *News from Ideological Antiquity - Marx/Eisenstein/The Capital* (2008), Alexander Kluge's sprawling 570-minute documentary that bridges cinema, theory, and history. At its core, Kluge explores Sergei Eisenstein's unrealized dream of adapting Karl Marx's *Capital* into a film inspired by James Joyce's *Ulysses*, weaving a tapestry of intellectual provocations. The film unfolds like a labyrinthine conversation, with Kluge and his collaborators—including actors Sophie Rois and Hannelore Hoger—delving into the intersections of Marxism, art, and modernity. Lush with archival insights and speculative digressions, the movie captures the tension between revolutionary thought and cinematic form, wrapped in a contemplative, at times fragmented atmosphere that challenges viewers to engage actively with its dense themes.
A magnum opus of documentary filmmaking, *News from Ideological Antiquity* blends rigorous analysis with poetic tangents, inviting audiences to ponder the legacy of Eisenstein's vision. Kluge's masterful direction transforms dry economic theory into a visually and intellectually stimulating experience, while the ensemble cast breathes life into the abstract. This is no passive viewing experience—it's a marathon of ideas, designed for those who crave depth, debate, and the interplay of past and present.