Is Es is zum scheissn Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Documentary cinema, the 2020 release of Es is zum scheissn stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The Austrian Kreisky government enforced a policy of full employment, it was not allowed to set foot on the lawn in Vienna's Burggarten, the city and the minds of the people are grey. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The Austrian Kreisky government enforced a policy of full employment, it was not allowed to set foot on the lawn in Vienna's Burggarten, the city and the minds of the people are grey. In a nutshell: es is zum Scheissn! The Kronen Zeitung speaks the mind of the philistine bourgeoisie and tells about "drug abuse, duck murders and sex orgies", the city government reluctantly provides a youth center only to evict it subsequently, a former Nazi becomes president and Vienna is burning because of the Opera Ball demonstrations. Punk in Vienna was not different than punk anywhere else. And yet, it was. "Scheiss Kieberei" instead of ACAB, Dead Nittels instead of California über alles, "Nazis raus" by Extrem on the same compilation as "We're gonna fight" by 7 Seconds. And anyway, the band names: Chuzpe, Schund, Pöbel. The outcast kids of Helmut Qualtinger tell their own story."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The presence of Erwin Bösling provides a necessary level of professionalism to the production, even when the underlying script struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It is a testament to their skill that they remain the most engaging element of the film.

The direction by Thomas Reitmayer is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 74 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Es is zum scheissn truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Es is zum scheissn explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Thomas Reitmayer respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Es is zum scheissn is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Erwin Bösling or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Es is zum scheissn is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.