Watch Egon Schiele: Between Love and Hate

Egon Schiele: Between Love and Hate is a biographical drama directed by Dieter Berner that delves into the tumultuous life of one of Austria’s most controversial artists, Egon Schiele. The film provides an insightful look into the artist’s formative years, tracing his journey from a young aspiring painter struggling to make a name for himself to a celebrated artist whose works challenged the norms of the time.

The movie is set in the early 20th century, a time marked by immense social and cultural upheavals in Europe. The film revolves around the character of Egon Schiele, who is portrayed with nuanced intensity by newcomer Noah Saavedra. Schiele is a young, rebellious artist who is driven by a desire to break free from the conventions of his society and to create art that reflects his personal vision of the world. He is a complex and contradictory figure, deeply passionate and intensely introspective, but also prone to bouts of self-doubt and anxiety.

The film explores Schiele's relationship with his mentor, the renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, who is played with a sense of quiet authority by Cornelius Obonya. Klimt is an important influence on Schiele, not only in terms of his artistic style but also in terms of his ideas about life and love. Klimt encourages Schiele to explore his own sexuality and to embrace his desires, despite the judgment of others around him.

As the film progresses, Schiele's art becomes more and more daring, pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable at the time. His paintings feature frank depictions of the naked human form, often with an emphasis on the erotic and the taboo. These works attract both admiration and scorn, with some critics hailing Schiele as a genius and others denouncing him as a pervert.

The movie also explores Schiele's personal life, particularly his relationship with the two most significant women in his life: his sister and his lover. Schiele’s sister is played by Marie Jung, and she serves as his muse, model, and confidante. Their relationship is passionate and deeply intimate, but also complicated by the fact that they are siblings. Schiele's lover, Wally, is played with a fierce sensuality by Valerie Pachner. She is a strong and independent woman, unafraid to take risks and to follow her own desires. Their relationship is passionate and volatile, marked by jealousy and conflict, but also by a deep love for one another.

The film also explores Schiele's darker side, particularly his entanglement with the law. Schiele was arrested and imprisoned for obscenity, and the film depicts his time in jail with a sense of gritty reality. It also touches on his relationships with other artists of his time, such as Oskar Kokoschka and Franz von Bayros.

Overall, Egon Schiele: Between Love and Hate is a powerful and thought-provoking film that offers a glimpse into the mind and art of one of Austria’s most influential artists. The film is beautifully shot, with a keen attention to detail, and the performances from the entire cast are top-notch. The movie manages to capture the essence of Schiele's art and life, exploring the themes of love, passion, and creativity that defined his work. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the life and work of this fascinating and controversial artist.

Egon Schiele: Between Love and Hate is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 57 minutes.