A relentless if chaotic sound design intensifies this controversial ensemble drama about a group of middle-class European terrorists trying to find an impetus for action amid the lull of domestication. 

This early Fassbinder is one of his most piercing works, exploring the consequence of domestic and professional stress through a series of highly-engaging conversational long takes. 

Polished, precise and beautifully-shot in black-and-white, but its cold and austere treatment can be a long, alienating slog.

Despite expert staging of mise-en-scene and astute camerawork, Fassbinder’s psychological chamber piece on infidelity and deep-seated hate probably only works as an intellectual exercise.

Fassbinder’s comedic farce of a film is shocking, revolting, and occasionally enjoyable.