‘A story of gladiators against the background of the German question. The men sell their life rather than let themselves waste away in a territory controlled by the European middle class. One of them has become a star to the underworld, but eventually cracks up. There is but one way out: spill the beans to the press…’ (Ossang)
Played as a futuristic epic, The Case of the Morituri Divisions concerns the rebellion brewing amongst European youth after members of the Red Army Faction, most of whom were filmmakers, died in prison. The imagery harks back to the original revolt by Spartacus, but suddenly the black and white curtain is torn down and we are faced with the naked oppression of ‘sensory deprivation’ and State crimes. A mythical soundtrack consists of musical fragments from the most radical bands of the time: MKB Fraction Provisiore, Cabaret Voltaire, Tuxedomoon, Throbbing Grisle, Lucrate Milk. An emblem of French punk cinema.
- Director
- F.J. Ossang
- Country of production
- France
- Year
- 1984
- Festival Edition
- IFFR 2011
- Length
- 81'
- Medium
- 35mm
- International title
- The Case of the Morituri Divisions
- Language
- French
- Producer
- F.J. Ossang
- Sales
- Urban Distribution International
- Screenplay
- F.J. Ossang
- Cinematography
- Maurice Ferlet
- Editor
- F.J. Ossang
- Music
- MKB Fraction Provisoire, Cabaret Voltaire, Tuxedomoon, Throbbing Grisle, Lucrate Milk, Esplendor Geometrico
- Cast
- Gina Lola Benzina, Lionel Tua
- Website
- http://www.fjossang.com