12/02/2008

Yesterday, viewers at the Berlinale had the opportunity to relive an impassioned "performance" given by Klaus Kinski in 1971 before an outraged and rowdy audience.

For his film Jesus Christ Saviour [+see also:
trailer
film profile], director Peter Geyer has unearthed some original footage that is fascinating in that it recalls an era in which audiences no longer wanted to be silent and listen but revolt loudly instead.

This documentary-show is certainly an unusual film, where you hand over your ticket to the ushers in order to watch one man deliver the Messiah’s true message. The Christ that Kinski describes to us in a booming voice and with tears of rage and passion, is a man sought by the police, an "anarchist" with no country, political party, religion or place of worship - a far cry from the yellowish, bruised "superstar" who hangs from the crosses of the bourgeoisie and priests.

But the performance is interrupted by an audience who resent Kinski his wealth and self-absorption. They ask him to refund the 10-mark admission price, but Kinski returns the insults and loses his patience, for he has a message to deliver. He starts again from the beginning and tells the story in the first person this time, but once more the crowd hurls abuse at him for the violence with which he delivers his message of love.

"Jesus would respond by whipping you in the face", roars the actor-messiah, immersed in his own role-playing – for even if he threatens to stop the show, he attaches too much importance to his message to get up and leave. And so he waits for the "Pharisees" to leave before continuing to preach before a group of apostles who know how to "shut their big mouths".

Finally, it is this performance-embodiment – much more than the message delivered by an agitator – that stirs the viewer. For if the audience in 1971 criticise Kinski for using his charisma, Geyer’s film reveals the fierce sincerity of the tormented artist.

Jesus Christ Saviour, produced by the director and Kinski Productions, will be released domestically by Salzgeber on April 17. International distributors have yet to be found.

(Translated from French)