Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein? 1983
"Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein?" (1983) is a bold, experimental film by director Riki Kalbe that blends documentary footage, vintage TV clips, and a fictional narrative to explore the dawn of the digital age.
Director: Riki Kalbe
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein? (1983) about?
This experimental German film from 1983 explores the rise of videotext and the media landscape of the future. It follows a pioneering female hacker who diverts information streams, critiquing the exploitative conditions in early information service industries while blending fiction with real-world political commentary.
Who directed Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein?
The film was directed by Riki Kalbe, a filmmaker known for her experimental and politically engaged work.
Who stars in Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein?
Christian Schwarz-Schilling appears in an interview segment, and while the full cast isn't listed, the film's narrative centers on a fictional female hacker as its key character.
Is Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein? (1983) worth watching?
As an unrated German experimental film from 1983, it's a niche but fascinating watch for fans of early digital culture and political cinema. Its fragmented style and themes of media control make it intriguing for historians and cinephiles, even if it's not a mainstream narrative film.
How long is Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein?
The runtime is 46 minutes.
About Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein? (1983) — A 1980s German film ahead of its time
"Die optische Industriegesellschaft oder darf's ein viertel Pfund mehr sein?" (1983) is a bold, experimental film by director Riki Kalbe that blends documentary footage, vintage TV clips, and a fictional narrative to explore the dawn of the digital age. Set against the backdrop of early information technology, the movie follows an anonymous female hacker who disrupts the flow of data, challenging the rigid structures of the emerging media world. Using a mix of videotext and 16mm film, Kalbe crafts a sharp critique of the working conditions in the budding information service industry, questioning how technology reshapes society and control. The film's fragmented style mirrors the chaos of innovation, creating an atmosphere that's both nostalgic and prophetic.
This 46-minute German film isn't just a time capsule of 1980s media culture—it's a satirical take on power, surveillance, and the illusion of progress. By weaving in an interview with Postmaster General Christian Schwarz-Schilling, Kalbe adds real-world gravity to the fictional plot, highlighting the tensions between corporate control and individual agency. The result is a visually inventive and thought-provoking work that feels eerily relevant today, long before the internet became ubiquitous.