The Baader Meinhof Complex

2008 DE Uli Edel
✰ 1/2

There's something to be said for portraying a series of based-on real life actions in chronological order; and something else entirely for showing those same actions in chronological order while also adhering to any kind of dramatic structure. Uli Edel's bright and shiny depiction of the RAF speaks only for the former: it's a chaotic mess. Big guns, loud noises, nude girls—what fun! Anyone not familiar with the history will likely get lost. Or is that the point? Since the film has nothing new, important, smart, or witty to say about its topic, perhaps confusing the audience seems the next-best effect. Politically-neutered, big budget German cream-puff that pretends to taste spicy. Original title: Der Baader Meinhof Komplex.