The Einstein of Sex - Life and Work of Dr. M. Hirschfeld

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Movie Info

Controversial German filmmaker Rosa von Praunheim narrates an unusual story in this dramatic feature film about the once world-famous sexologist Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld. Founder of the world's first gay rights movement, as well as an influential thinker and researcher, Hirschfeld was a homosexual socialist Jew, which made it impossible for him to pursue his career in his native Germany during the 1930s. He was forced into exile in the U.S., where he earned the nickname 'Einstein of Sex.' The film reveals Hirschfeld through events, which involve the major figures in his life such as an unfulfilled love affair with Baron von Teschenberg; the happy years with young Karl Giese; his struggle with major gay opponent, right-wing writer Adolf Brand; and the presence of his guardian angel, the witty and courageous transvestite Dorchen. Interestingly, von Praunheim chooses a rather conventional narrative for this non-conventional subject, employing key episodes to build a provocative biography of a controversial figure. Der Einstein des Sex was screened in competition at the 1999 Locarno International Film Festival. ~ Gönül Dönmez-Colin, Rovi

Rating:

NR
Genre:

Art House & International, Comedy, Drama
Directed By:

Rosa von Praunheim
Written By:

Chris Kraus, Valenti Passoni
In Theaters:

Apr 14, 2000 wide
On Disc/Streaming:

Oct 29, 2002
Runtime:

103 minutes

Cast

Kai Schuhmann
as Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld (young man)

Friedel von Wangenheim
as Dr. Hirschfeld (middle aged)

Gerd Lukas Storzer

Olaf Drauschke

Tima die Goettliche

Ben Becker

Meret Becker

Otto Sander

Monika Hansen

Tima die Gottliche

Wolfgang Volz

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Critic Reviews for The Einstein of Sex - Life and Work of Dr. M. Hirschfeld

All Critics (1) | Fresh (1)

"The Einstein of Sex" has the look of a poorly made television drama, but don't let that distract you. Praunheim tells an important story and he tells it well.

October 24, 2003 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…

Marcy Dermansky
About.com

View All Critic Reviews (1)

Audience Reviews for The Einstein of Sex - Life and Work of Dr. M. Hirschfeld

Jun 04, 2018

The film's didacticism and lack of aesthetic refinement may push some viewers away, but Rosa von Praunheim doesn't care about that and is mainly interested in telling us the story of the man that was Magnus Hirschfeld and his importance for the LGBT rights movement, which he does.

Carlos M Super Reviewer