Rider of the Flames

Feuerreiter is an elegant period drama that begins in Frankfurt in 1796 Through his friend Baron von Sinclair romantic and rebellious poet Friedrich Hölderlin secures the position of a private tutor in the home of a banker named Gontard He is soon torn between his passion for poetry and his love for Susette the lady of the house To top it all off Baron von Sinclair is in love with him Hölderlins most beautiful poems are written during this trying time However he becomes a total recluse when he loses Susette The film examines the effects of conflicting demands both emotional and sensual that may inspire art Feuerreiter was screened as part of the New German Films at the 49th International Berlin Film Festival 1999