Portraying the last days in the life of philosopher Walter Benjamin (1892–1940), whose writings such as The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction have become of seminal importance in cultural criticism, Ferraro not only deals with a historical and philosophically fascinating subject, but has also crafted a landscape film of immense beauty.
A companion piece to Les Unwanted de Europa (IFFR 2018) and Checkpoint Berlin (IFFR 2020), I morti rimangono con la bocca aperta extends Fabrizio Ferraro's project of retracing the historical footsteps of those fleeing persecution.
Mr. Emmer is a jaded Film Director, Catarina the assistant of an absent Producer. Together they embark on a journey in search of Hölderlin's places, for a never forgotten project on the German poet. But during the journey their aspirations will prove to be an obstacle for the realisation of any work. A love song for a suffering Nature.
