Cast
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Ursula Werner
as Dr. Angelika Unglaube
Peter Reusse
as Mattes
Martin Hellberg
as Pastor Himmelknecht
Jan Tříska
as Romeo Aventuro
Ursula Staack
as Lydia
Roland Knappe
as Paul
Thomas Neumann
as Anton Czybulka
Gertrud Brendler
as Mutter Roloff
Otto Dierichs
as Willem
Oswald Foerderer
as Wirt
Thomas Wolff
as Tramp
Wolfgang Sasse
as 1. Jäger
Wolfgang Bachmann
as 2. Jäger
Johannes Nowak
as 3. Jäger
Hans-Joachim Puls
as 4. Jäger
Crew
Director
- Roland Oehme
Writer
- Roland Oehme
- Rudi Strahl
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
The Crazy Smell of Fresh Hay represents a fascinating example of Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Roland Oehme brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1977, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Crazy Smell of Fresh Hay took approximately 15 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 92 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 220 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1977, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Crazy Smell of Fresh Hay shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Fun2shh... Dudes in the 10th Century, which focuses more on action than character development, The Crazy Smell of Fresh Hay subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Trip 4 and Honeybunnies explore similar territory, The Crazy Smell of Fresh Hay stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 22, 1977
- Runtime: 1h 32m
