Ich bin ein Elefant, Madame (1969) – Trailer

Peter Zadek was one of the most unconventional and one of the greatest directors in German-speaking theater. He also directed just four films for cinema that had a limited success. Undoubtedly his debut film Ich bin ein Elefant, Madame (I Am An Elephant, Madame) directed in 1969 was his better-known work. The film participated in Berlinale of the same year and won the Silver Bear.

Ich bin ein Elefant, Madame follows a class of high school students in 1968 Bremen during their last year at school, their lessons, their protests, their private life. Also focuses in particular on the troublemaker & provocateur Rull who in his apolitical chaotic way takes on both the authoritarian school administration and the leftist protesters.

For those who are fans of Jean-Luc Godard Maoist / Dziga Vertov period this flick is an absolute gem to watch. Judging just by the trailer the similarities with Godard’s La Chinoise are so obvious and intriguing. Jump-cuts, titles on screen, colorful sets and of course the Little Red Book are all present! Finally it should be noted that the music is by The Velvet Underground & Nico.