In a Year with 13 Moons

The story the idea of this movie, is amazing. It really does showcases how somebody that went through extreme child trauma being isolated, lonely, sad, wanted love from a male figure, and that was not possible from the one he-she wanted. It really is a fascinating story.

However, i have a huge problem with this movie and that's the pacing. I can assure you that 40 minutes or so could of been removed from this movie, and we'd have a better paced movie.

Minus the pacing, everything here works. The acting is alright, the camera work is okay, the story is alright. Everything here works. Minus the pacing.

The cow slaughtering scene was completely out of left field. Yes yes, our main character our star, worked as a butcher. But the problem with that is, this whole movie is a tragic, depressing drama. And out of no where, we just get cow murder exploitation? Why??? It really did not have to be in this movie at all! We had a tragic drama, and we added cow murder for no reason! It's so out of field, it pulls you out of the story completely, and it felt like i was watching FACES of DEATH again. Ludacris.

Another problem i got is, the suicide scene of that man. It has nothing to do with the story it's just added there so the movie gets longer and padded. This entire movie could of been better if stuff that have nothing to do with the movie aren't here. Also the prologned television scene, it took them ages for that to finish.

Ultimately yes i enjoyed this movie, but at the same time it is a chore to get through it really is. Also i think i have to rewatch this probably 2 - 3 time to actually get all the details. There's many details in this that are really hard to follow.

I mean if you are into drama misery films like JACOB's LADDER, you'll probably enjoy this.

As some others have written or implied this film is absolutely exhausting. It doesn't abandon its character or his life at any time although at times we almost WANT relief. Mahler's music in films has been dutifully noted. It can be almost as depressing in concert version. As for Nino Rota's "happy" music, or "life just continues (joyfully)" score, the irony isn't lost either. This is a one-man job and therefore takes risks that few producers or companies would tolerate under normal circumstances. I was profoundly moved by the film; I just don't plan to see it again for a while.

Curtis Stotlar

Fassbinder's genius is making you feel as trapped and desperate as Elvira, you really feel empathy for the character. Only the visit with her family is there a brief respite from her pain. Kudos for Fassbinder for his good taste in using Suicide's "Frankie Teardrop" on the soundtrack--a song about a man who feels trapped, but directs his anger outward, rather than inward, like Elvira.

This drama follows the last few days in the life of Elvira (formerly Erwin) Weisshaupt. Years before, Erwin told a co-worker, Anton, that he loved him. "Too bad, you aren't a woman," he replied. Erwin took Anton at his word. Trying to salvage something from the wreckage love has made of his life, he now hopes that Anton will not reject him again.

At this point (2017), I have seen most of what Fassbinder has made. And, indeed, the vast majority is really good. Some have said this is his best work. While I am not sure I am ready to jump on that train, I am also not willing to deny the possibility. Even the content alone deserves praise. This is 1978. I am no expert on transgender history, but I cannot think of any films that tackled such a heavy subject this far back.

If anything, the film seems even more topical today as transgender issues are more front and center. The mainstream is ready to stand up for the rights of these folks, and films like "13 Moons" should really be re-examined by the film community.

I have to save my comments for later...I began watching this film last night and, as disturbing as the slaughterhouse scene actually is, I was only able to make it halfway through. I will return. It amazes me when a film disturbs me so much that I cannot watch it in one sitting. I had similar reactions to both Pasolini's "Salo" and to Cronenberg's "Crash".

But I'm curious to learn from anyone who might have a clue why Nino Rota's theme music from "Amarcord" (original orchestration) was put in this movie's first half and yet isn't credited on IMDb's list of "combined details".

Anybody who might offer some insight on this omission....thanks for posting it here....