Superbia – The Pride 1988
"“I am Pride. I am the proud Root of All Evil.”"
Ulrike Ottinger's avant-garde short film *Superbia – The Pride* (1988) dives into one of humanity's oldest moral struggles through a visually arresting exploration of vanity and power.
Director: Ulrike Ottinger
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Superbia – The Pride (1988) about?
*Superbia – The Pride* unpacks the first of the seven deadly sins by turning pride into a theatrical extravaganza. Ottinger's film stages a grand procession of human vanities, blending allegorical storytelling with sharp social commentary. The result is a visually stunning meditation on arrogance, authority, and the illusions we cling to.
Who directed Superbia – The Pride?
The film was directed by Ulrike Ottinger, a renowned German filmmaker known for her avant-garde and feminist perspectives in cinema.
Who stars in Superbia – The Pride?
The cast includes Delphine Seyrig, Irm Hermann, Else Nabu, Renate Schlesier, and Hisao Saito in pivotal roles.
Is Superbia – The Pride (1988) worth watching?
While it clocks in at just 15 minutes, *Superbia – The Pride* packs a punch with its ambitious visual storytelling and thematic depth. Fans of experimental drama and allegorical cinema will likely find it rewarding, though its abstract nature may not appeal to all viewers.
How long is Superbia – The Pride?
The runtime for *Superbia – The Pride* is 15 minutes.
About Superbia – The Pride (1988) — A Daring 15-Minute Allegory of Vanity and Power
Ulrike Ottinger's avant-garde short film *Superbia – The Pride* (1988) dives into one of humanity's oldest moral struggles through a visually arresting exploration of vanity and power. Clocking in at just 15 minutes, the film transforms Pride into a theatrical spectacle, blending allegorical pageantry with documentary realism. Ottinger stages a triumphant procession of exaggerated gestures and symbolic imagery—think Baroque tragedy meets militaristic precision—while soundtrack snippets and rhythmic montages underscore the absurdity of human arrogance. Delphine Seyrig and Irm Hermann headline a cast that embodies the film's themes of dominance and moral decay, all wrapped in a critique that feels as timely as it is timeless.
Pride here isn't just a sin; it's a spectacle. Ottinger's bold visual language and sharp juxtapositions challenge viewers to confront the ways society glorifies excess and self-importance. The film's brevity belies its ambition, leaving audiences with lingering questions about morality and performance. *Superbia – The Pride* is a dense, rewarding experience for fans of experimental drama and those drawn to films that push boundaries.