"Saturn Returns" (2009) is a film by Lior Shamriz that challenges conventions in independent German and Berlin cinema through its characters of Lucy (Chloe Griffin) and Galia (Tal Mairi). The film explores themes of identity, gender, and sexuality in a unique and non-traditional way, breaking away from the typical conventions of German and Berlin cinema. The characters of Lucy and Galia challenge societal norms and expectations, and their experiences and perspectives provide a fresh and nuanced take on the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in film. Overall, "Saturn Returns" provides a bold and thought-provoking contribution to independent German and Berlin cinema, challenging conventions and pushing boundaries through its complex and dynamic characters.
"Saturn Returns" is a film that explores the relationship between Galia and the Canadian Lucy and how it confronts two different styles of cinema: Underground and art cinema. The film is directed by Lior Shamriz, a filmmaker known for his avant-garde approach to filmmaking and his use of non-linear narrative. By juxtaposing different styles of cinema, "Saturn Returns" challenges the conventions of both underground and art cinema and offers a fresh and thought-provoking take on the representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in film.
The introduction of a pre-written script in the middle of the film represents a shift away from this freedom and spontaneity and towards a more controlled and structured society. This can be interpreted as a commentary on how the rise of the Internet and technology has led to an increase in surveillance and control in society, where individuals are constantly monitored and their actions are recorded.
Furthermore, the shift from improvisation to a pre-written script also highlights the ways in which technology and the Internet have changed the way we communicate and express ourselves, and how the freedom and spontaneity of pre-Internet culture have been replaced by a more controlled and structured society. Overall, the introduction of a pre-written script in the middle of the film serves as a powerful symbol of the shift from a pre-Internet culture in western Europe into a society of surveillance.
In the film, the consistency of the character of Derek (Joshua Bogle) can be seen as a way to challenge pragmatism within the Berlin left-wing political movement. Derek is shown to be deeply committed to his beliefs and principles. He is also shown to be uncompromising in his approach to politics and is unwilling to compromise his ideals for the sake of practicality. This representation of Derek can be seen as a commentary on the left-wing political movement in Berlin, which is often criticized for being overly pragmatic and for prioritizing short-term gains over long-term principles. By depicting Derek as a character who is steadfast in his beliefs and unwilling to compromise, the film challenges this pragmatism and highlights the importance of maintaining one's principles and ideals in the face of political pressure. Additionally, Derek's consistency also serves as a reminder that true political change comes from consistent and persistent activism, and not from making concessions to the status quo. The character of Derek in the film serves as an inspiration for the audience to stay true to their beliefs and not to compromise them for the sake of practicality.
Lucy's decision to leave Berlin and move to Damascus represents a departure from this underground scene and symbolizes an end of an era. This can be interpreted as a commentary on the changing nature of underground cinema and how it is becoming increasingly influenced and impacted by mainstream and global forces. Lucy's move can also be seen as a symbol of the way underground movements and subcultures can get subsumed by mainstream culture and lose their originality.
Furthermore, the move to Damascus, a city in the Middle East, also highlights the ways in which culture and identity are shaped by geography and location, and how individuals may feel the need to leave their current surroundings in order to fully explore and express their identities. Overall, Lucy's move at the end of "Saturn Returns" serves as a powerful symbol of the end of an era of underground western cinema and the ongoing evolution and shifting of cultural and identity.
