User Reviews

„Altlastpalast" is an essay-like documentary which documents and comments on the history of the last days of the "Palast der Republik" – the central government building of the GDR. The director brings the past, present and future of the building alive not by naming historical facts but by interviewing people who are related to the "palace" like workers, neighbours, architects and politicians. The film uses the mood of the last art exhibition within the "palace" which took place after the interior of the building already had been removed. The exhibits of the "Fraktale IV Tod" deal with the theme of death allowing the allusion to the dying of the "palace" and furthermore to the decline of an entire era. "Altstadtpalast" is an entertaining film which shows - without staying neutral - how important the debate about "Palast der Republik" could have been for the relationship of the two German states. It is a must for all opponents of the demolition and for all people who want to trace the meaning of a building which already doesn't exist anymore.