All the visual elements aside, what really makes this film work for me, are the live performances. Seven of the ten songs in the film are performed live. This aspect alone makes this film a must-have for Neubauten fans.
There’s great tension in each Neubauten’s song, and it really translates well to a live production. The band could have easily mailed it in and lip synced the tracks, but thankfully for fans they decided not to. Listen for lead singer Brixa Bargeld’s uncanny ability to scream his ever-loving head off. You’ve really got to hear it for yourself to appreciate it.
The film contains two settings for its live performances. The first is in the abandoned Nakamatsu Ironworks, where the band plays in front of what appears to be just the film crew, and still maintains an acute intensity. The second performance is takes place in Tokyo’s Kohrakuen Hall. There’s no substitute for a live audience and the band appears to feed off of it in their powerful presentations of “Die Zeichnungen des Patienten” and “Der To dist ein Dandy.”
So what is the film about? You mean you’ve read this far and still don’t know? Yeah, me either. I tried not to look too deeply into themes and symbolism that may not even be there. To put it simply, this is an art film. And I think if you say “art film” you can get away with just about anything. Maybe it’s typical for Japanese-made films about German industrial bands. I just know it rocks.
I wholeheartedly recommend Halber Mensch to all Neubaten fans, anyone with an interest in industrial music of the 1980s, or folks with a penchant for creepy kabuki dance troupes—and not necessarily in that order.
Article comments
1 - kontakte23
Although I certainly agree that Neubauten fans as well as anyone interested in more challenging music should check this film out, it should be noted that the Cherry Red release has not been authorized by the band, who have their own release of "Halber Mensch" on DVD planned.
Neubauten have had an unfortunate history with labels/distributors screwing them over and have made substantial efforts in pursuing an alternate business model to enable them to afford to make their music and retain suitable control over its release. Buying this version only supports someone with no interest in respecting the band's wishes, and validates an avaricious move on Cherry Red's part to subvert Neubauten's ability to continue their art.
For more information, check the band's website:
http://www.neubauten.org/n_halber.php