Movie: The Tin Drum

I remembered this 1979 adaptation of Günter Grass's novel as being fairly disturbing and odd, Fellini-esque even. The scene where they use a rotting horse head to catch eels is on par with Buñuel's "Un Chien Andalou" for uncomfortable viewing.

What I DID NOT remember was that the film was banned in Oklahoma in 1997 (18 years later) as "child pornography" based on the twisted interpretation by the Oklahomans for Children and Families (OCAF) and a doddering judge they convinced. The documentary "Banned in Oklahoma" (2004) is included on The Criterion Collection DVD of the movie. Among the Oklahoma attorneys they interview, in the documentary, is Anita Hill.

This was about six years after the Clarence Thomas hearings.

Disturbing, odd, somber and somewhat dispiriting. The story, such as it is, takes place during the buildup to WWII as first Poland and then France fall under the German advance. Little Oskar’s family ties to survive under changing and impossible politics by becoming chameleons.

The film is astringent and bracing, with never a respite from the cold hard reality of the milieu nor the twisted surreal visions/interpretations of the main character, Oskar.

It’s not as hard to watch as, say, “Sophie’s Choice” or “1984” because reality is always somewhat subverted, but it’s in the same universe.

I confess I tried to read one or two Grass books, and gave up because of the joylessness of the experience. Perhaps some of that goes to the translator(s).