Studien zum Untergang des Abendlands

I've been immersed in a retrospective binge-watch of Klaus Wyborny's films for weeks now, rediscovering a treasure trove I somehow let slip by. This review, originally intended for his 77th birthday (June 5th), comes a little late, but the sentiment remains.

Though halfway through my journey, I've been fortunate to track down some of his early works online, with a few elusive titles still on the hunt. Wyborny's name resonates with avant-garde enthusiasts, with "Pictures of the Lost World" (1975) often hailed as his masterpiece, while others champion the five-part epic "Lieder der Erde" ("Song of the Earth"). With such a rich and diverse filmography, pinpointing a single favorite is a daunting task. However, for me, "Studies for the Decay of the West" (2010) stands out as a landmark achievement in avant-garde cinema.

Through 6,299 meticulously edited Super 8 shots, Wyborny paints a poignant portrait of modernization's impact, Western influence, and the potential for societal collapse in the 21st century. Captured between 1979 and 2010 across diverse locations like New York, the Ruhr Valley, Hamburg, East Africa, and Rimini, the film presents a mesmerizing tapestry of static images. Derelict buildings, deserted factories, junkyards, street scenes, vintage cars, and landscapes flow before us, hinting at what's absent and yearned for. This sense of unreality intensifies with each image, further amplified by the hypnotic rhythm of a piano searching for an emotion beneath the surface.

While I'm still exploring Wyborny's extensive filmography, "Studies for the Decay of the West" has already left a profound impression. Its haunting beauty and insightful commentary make it a must-see for anyone interested in pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.