Filmmaker Simone Shoemaker's second report about changing conditions in her hometown of Dresden, Germany (her first was shot in 1991, two years after the fall of the Berlin Wall) is an excellent first-hand look at new developments in the society's shift from socialism to capitalism: like, say, the unemployment office. People without jobs is a new wrinkle in Dresden, as are the homeless living in the streets. Shoemaker points out interesting differences between 1991 and 1993: the arches at McDonald's are a little more modest, size-wise; violence is on the uptick; scam artists abound...yet, many small businesses are doing quite well (one entrepreneur is selling a new aftershave called "Elvis"), and, in interviews with people from all walks of life, no one seems ready to return to the old order. While Shoemaker contends that the racial intolerance is actually less of a problem than is reported in the international press (which seems likely, given any tidbit having to do with hate groups in Germany is automatically a juicy journalistic piece), she also points out that uncertainty and growing inflation have contributed to the political confusion prevalent in Germany today. Test the West! is not the kind of slick (and vapid) reportage found on network news reports, nor is it from the I-just-happened-to-be-in-(whatever country)-so-I-made-this-film school of on-the-spot camcorder tourist journalism. Shoemaker is a very astute commentator, with a superb grasp of the more disquieting implications of instant capitalism--and Test the West! is the kind of documentary that will provoke vigorous discussions among viewers. Highly recommended. [Note: both parts of Test the West! are available for the series price of $79.95.] (R. Pitman)
Test the West! Metamorphosis In East Germany--Part II: 1993, the Rebuilding Of a Country
(1994) 48 min. $45. Bronco Video. PPR. Color cover. Vol. 9, Issue 5
Test the West! Metamorphosis In East Germany--Part II: 1993, the Rebuilding Of a Country
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