Johannes Wohnseifer
Film and video approx. 100 min.
Followed by a party with music by Thomas Schaeben
As part of the Oldenburg Kultursommer
On the occasion of the Formula 1 race, German Grand Prix – Hockenheimring
Johannes Wohnseifer shows “Le Mans” (1970), “Two Lane Blacktop” (1971) and his own video “Autobahnrennen” (2001) simultaneously and side by side. The result is a backdrop of images and sounds for a relaxed evening at the Formula 1 race, German Grand Prix – Hockenheimring.
A perfect example of the sporting event as a media event is the Formula 1 race. Here, daily clips of circling cars, superimposed race statistics and the racing drivers, who meet again and again as the stars of the races, merge into an international television drama.
Cult films such as “Le Mans” and “Two Lane Blacktop” bear witness to the fascination with racing culture since the 1970s. In different ways, both films revolve around two taciturn portrayals of the lives of a few people to the beat of the machine. In addition, Johannes Wohnseifer shows his own video “Autobahnrennen” to form a trio for “I’m Beginning to See the Light”.
Autobahnrennen” (2001), video (102 min.)
With “Autobahnrennen”, the artist combines the atmosphere of both films: When he drives the Frankfurt-Cologne route at high speed in his Porsche, Wohnseifer combines the legendary speed of the race and the Porsche with the feeling of freedom of the car culture from American road movies.
“Le Mans” is a cross between a Hollywood movie and an almost documentary film that follows the legendary 24-hour race. Alongside the day-to-day activities of the race, the focus is on Steve McQueen, whose reputation as an amateur racing driver has clearly contributed to his image as an actor. There is virtually no dialog in the film. Instead, it is left to the viewer to piece together the story from flashbacks and sober camera shots.
“Two Lane Blacktop” puts the spotlight on the American street as a space for life and experience. Alongside Warren Oates and Laurie Bird, personalities from the music scene of the time such as James Taylor, folk singer from the politically turbulent years of the 60s and 70s, also play a part. Dennis Wilson (drummer from the Beach Boys) adds another dimension to his cult status with this film.
After the movie, Cologne DJ Thomas Schaeben will provide the soundtrack for a lively evening of music and cocktails.