The Merchant of Four Seasons (1972)

In the heart of 1972 Germany, Hans Epp, a beleaguered fruit vendor, grapples with the relentless dissatisfaction of a life that refuses to yield to his desires. His existence is a symphony of disillusionment played out against an unforgiving backdrop of familial disappointment and social ridicule. Hans' mother ceaselessly amplifies his failures, while his wife openly parades her discontent. Even his customers mock him, highlighting his physical shortcomings compared to his wife. Once a police officer, Hans is forced to abandon his job following an ill-advised liaison with a prostitute. His life takes a darker turn, with alcohol and violence becoming his chosen refuge, pushing his wife and daughter away. His desperate pleas for their return trigger a devastating heart attack, rendering him unable to maintain the rhythm of his humble fruit stand. His family's return brings no respite. Hans must resort to hiring help, first from his wife's ex-lover, who proves to be dishonest, and then from a friend and former legionnaire, Harry. This seemingly simple act of hiring help unravels Hans' life further. Harry, with his diligence and wit, revives the ailing fruit business and breathes new life into the Epp household. But his success gradually begins to eclipse Hans - in his business, with his wife, and even with his child. Hans, caught in the vortex of his self-destructive ways, spirals further into despair. He finds himself becoming increasingly irrelevant - a ghost in his own life. The once confident man is reduced to a mere shadow, echoing the dismal prophecy set by his mother, his wife, and the world around him. "The Merchant of Four Seasons" serves as a poignant exploration of a man's struggle against the tide of societal expectations and personal failures, painting a raw, unfiltered portrait of despair and disillusionment.

The Merchant of Four Seasons is a drama movie featuring Ingrid Caven and directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

The Merchant of Four Seasons is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

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