ESSAY

PROFILE: Chantal Akerman opens a cinematic space without demands for productivity. Her idiom is that of the auteur, where she has full artistic control over and ownership of the films. In her cinematic philosophy, time is a form where time seemingly stands still. And what does Christine Smallwood say about her work? MODERN TIMES has been on exhibition – and has read.

ESSAY: In Europe, around 500 versions of the fairy tale Cinderella have been recorded. The film Cinderella is not only about being queer, but also about how identity is controlled. And hence what 'archive' one has at their disposal.

GERMANY: Alternative sources can challenge Merkel's polished self-image. For example, the closeness to the GDR regime in terms of both herself and her father. The message is that Angela Merkel has destroyed the CDU and is responsible for the political, economic and cultural problems Germany is currently struggling with. Much of the criticism from the right also touches on the Stasi. Merkel has underemphasised the collaboration between herself and the GDR regime.

PHILOSOPHY:Here follows an assessment of three new books about the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. From a debate in a castle via a critique of modern Western society to a call for more dynamic and 'wild' thinking. Tensions in the past, present and future.

FRANKFURT SCHOOL: The question "Why philosophy?" eventually became the question "Why Adorno?". The intellectual work of Theodor W. Adorno's heirs has been highly productive and diverse. In Frankfurt, ideas critical of authority were promoted, which were largely legitimized by the fact that the shadow of National Socialism rested over the country.

ESSAY: According to Erich Fromm, the new freedom and individual independence must be paid for with insecurity, isolation and alienation. A society in rapid transition can pack in tough demands for adaptation to the market, 'change skills', mobility, the necessity of constantly starting over as having more freedom and choices. MODERN TIMES here puts the newly published classic in context with other books on the subject of freedom.