Mack the Knife—Brecht’s Threepenny Film

Joachim Lang

After the premiere of Bertolt Brecht, Elisabeth Hauptmann, and Kurt Weill’s Threepenny Opera in 1928, the work seemed destined for the silver screen: Brecht sought to make a socially conscious film, but the studio wanted a crowd pleaser. This fantastical and theatrical satire dramatizes his valiant attempt to adapt his opera to the screen.

DIRECTOR
Joachim Lang
YEAR
2018
COUNTRY
Germany
RUNTIME
130 minutes
LANGUAGE
German with English subtitles

After the premiere of Bertolt Brecht, Elisabeth Hauptmann, and Kurt Weill’s Threepenny Opera in 1928, the work seemed destined for the silver screen: Brecht wanted to make a film, and a studio was eager to capitalize. But Brecht clashed with producers over his desire to make a socially conscious adaptation, while the studio wanted a crowd-pleaser. After a court battle Brecht and Weill were forced off the project, which was released in 1931 with another director. Joachim Lang’s high-sheen dramatization of Brecht’s attempts to make the film is itself a frenzied satire, resplendent with historically accurate gems such as Brecht saying to his antagonists, “In the realm of art, you and your people have the mind of an oyster.” U.S. Premiere

Mack the Knife—Brecht’s Threepenny Film
Mack the Knife—Brecht’s Threepenny Film
Mack the Knife—Brecht’s Threepenny Film

Read More

Videos

On the latest episode of FLC Luminaries, our video series that spotlights talent at all levels of the filmmaking process who uplift the art and craft of cinema, Our Land (Nuestra Tierra) director Lucrecia Martel discusses her expansive and enlightening first feature documentary.

Post

This week we’re excited to present a conversation from the 63rd New York Film Festival with Romería director Carla Simón, moderated by NYFF Main Slate selection committee member Florence Almozini.

Announcements

The New York Asian Film Festival (NYAFF) and Film at Lincoln Center today unveil the second wave of programming for its landmark 25th edition, adding more than 40 films to an already wide-ranging lineup, with very special final titles still to come.

Make FLC Your Home for Cinema

Member Discount on All Tickets

NYFF Pre-Sale Access

Pre-sale Access to FLC Series and Festivals

Free Tickets

Exclusive Events

Members-only Newsletter

Film at Lincoln Center Logo

Walter Reade Theater + Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center

165 and 144 W 65th Street

New York, NY 10023


212.875.5825

Be the first to hear exciting news and announcements from FLC, including upcoming programming, special offers, added tickets, and more.