Ecstasy

EKSTASE is not only one of the absolute highlights of early sound film, but is also considered one of the most censored works in film history. This central work by director Gustav Machatý places the unfulfilled sexual passion of an emancipated woman at the center of the plot. EKSTASE, however, is above all a visual masterpiece, which - probably made famous by the nude scenes of Viennese actress Hedy Kiesler - is particularly captivating due to the montage and Jan Stallich's ingenious camera work. The Filmarchiv Austria has reconstructed the classic film, which was previously only shown in a mutilated version, with newly discovered material; this milestone in film history is thus once again available in an authentic version.

"Machatý brings before our eyes a world of sensation that is studiously ignored in conventional films." HENRY MILLER