World on a Wire

Second Sight

R2 DVD

World on a Wire is a unique sci fi classic by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, restored to an astounding level of quality by the Fassbinder foundation. The film itself is considered rather rare; it was originally broadcast on German television and then fell into obscurity. While the rest of the Fassbinder “canon” made it onto DVD in various editions, this is a late addition. The release from Second Sight comes on two DVDs with a comprehensive documentary called “Fassbinder’s World on a Wire: Looking Ahead to Today”.

While Avatar, The Matrix Trilogy, eXistenZ, 13th Floor, Dark City and other Hollywood films have explored the world of computer simulated realities, the concept can actually be traced right back to the 1973 film World on a Wire by Fassbinder, which itself was an adaptation of a 1964 novel “Counterfeit World” by Daniel Galouye. It is amazing to think this film predated The Matrix by some 26 years!

Somewhere in the future there is a radical state run computer project called Simulacron one of which is able to simulate a full featured reality, it creates a world populated with identity units each of which is programmed with artificial intelligence. Henry Vollmer the project leader Henry Vollmer commits suicide and his successor, Vollmer’s previous assistant, takes over the project. Dr. Fred Stiller also begins to have very odd experiences. A good friend, Guenther Lause disappears in the middle of a conversation and a week later nobody seems to remember him at all. Are these signs of a mental breakdown is or something happening with the Simulacron?

World on a Wire is marked by superb cinematography by Michael Ballhaus who manipulates light, reflection and space to create a strange cinematic experience which blurs the line between illusion and reality. It must be said the Seventies clothing and sets are amusingly dated but add to the surrealism of the film.

This is a fascinating science fiction film produced by a filmmaker of quite some significance. Until now it has been exceedingly rare and it is marvellous to have it available in such a superior edition. While it is quite a marathon, coming in at some 204 minutes you will be rewarded by a truly original and innovative sci fi experience.

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This review will appear in Volume 3 No. 3 of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

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