User reviews

Avant*garde is a German Internet project about art-house cinema. In eight video episodes host and creator Fabian Hübner presents some of his favourite directors and movies and explains vividly their artistic influences, as well as their cinematic style. Most importantly, avant*garde is about the love for cinema made by people who are in love with cinema themselves. Hübner talks openly about his personal movie going experience, which makes each recommendation all the more authentic and believable. In a certain way, avant*garde is a pleasant antipole to all the overly scientific and intellectual approaches to cinema, which often undermine the intrinsic passion of this art form.

Jim Jarmusch, Wong-Kar-Wai, David Lynch, Quentin Tarantino, Ingmar Bergman, Takeshi Kitano, Werner Herzog and Jean-Luc Godard are the names of the first eight episodes. Hübner consciously combines different cinematic eras, styles and cultures, in order to present an eclectic mixture of influential artists. The mixture is not necessarily "avantgarde" in a strict sense, but nevertheless indispensable for modern cinema. Quentin Tarantino's movies, for example, cannot be imagined without the influence of Jean-Luc Godard. Avant*garde dissects expertly these influences, and more than once, even movie connoisseurs will be surprised by the episodes' originality.

However, the main target group of avant*garde is art-house neophytes, people who are interested in art-house cinema, but don't know where to start. Movie experts might complain about the lack of real avantgarde cinema, but the passionate presentation by Hübner makes more than up for the lack of more profound information. Especially noteworthy is the unique style of each episode, which is always in line with the presented movies and directors' style. Ever been curious about Godard's famous jump cuts? Avant*garde will explain them to you, on a rooftop! Highly recommended.

8/10

First of all for everyone who doesn’t know what this is all about: Avant*garde is a miniseries which promotes Independent-, Art-house-, Experimental- and Trash-Cinema. The show was first broadcasted online (and can still be watched online) and later, I guess thanks to its overwhelming success, also released on DVD. Avant*garde attracted many viewers and even got wide media attention with large German magazines and TV-Shows mentioning it.

Fabian Hübner, the host and initiator of the series, leads with a very personal, authentic and passionate approach through the show and explains the work and style of every artist combining his knowledge of film history with his own movie going experiences.

One might think that a show about art-house films is destined to be boring but I can assure you, that is not the case with avant*garde. The narrative style is perfectly matched with visually striking images. Hübners great sense of style, timing and music make avant*garde fresh and young without losing sight of the educational purpose. The overall look of the series might also be the reason why people who don’t even speak German imported the DVD.

In the end avant*garde itself is a piece of art and my favorite internet discovery of 2008.

This Series is just amazing. In its artful and honest Way is the Show teasing the Viewers curiosity of Art-house Films, or as they say "Films for advanced Audience" And it also works for People who already know the Movies they are talking about, you will get carried away by the sensible Words of the charming Host you just cant help to want to see the Pieces again. But thats only the impact on the Films you DO KNOW, now imagine the Result on the works you do not know! Let me tell you, if you are open minded to difficult Pieces, you will get horny on the recommended Films here. I hope the Proucers of this magnificent Show will continue their crusade for Importend Films. More i cant and wont say about this Series, you just have to relive it for yourself, its worth it!

The first series of Avant*Garde is a high-class episode who give us a insight into directors like Wong Kar-Wai, David Lynch, Jim Jarmusch, Jean-Luc Godard, ... and try to give the mass-market an understanding of this genius without be boring for the Initiate. A project who deserve all attention.

Fabian Hübner conduct us with big personality to this 8 programs, always stylishly filming with the director, he show us what they make so special and dilly.

Person who loves art movies should keep clearly watch this little masterpiece.