Have you ever loved someone so much that you would give anything to be with them even if they didn't even realize you existed? How far would you go to keep them in your life? In the film The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant directed by renowned German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, we explore the manipulation inherent in any relationship and the lengths people are willing to go to stay with the ones they love. The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant Kant is based on events in Fassbinder's love life. Fassbinder became enamored with actor Gunther Kaufmann, who, according to film analyst Ryan Gilbey, "quickly realized that the attentions of an increasingly wealthy young filmmaker could, with a modicum of reciprocity, prove profitable for him. Fassbinder showered Kaufmann with gifts, including four brand new Lamborghinis. However, Kaufmann did not return Fassbinder's affections, which later inspired Fassbinder to create the autobiographical film The Bitter Tears of Petra von Kant. The film focuses on the love life of successful fashion designer Petra von Kant. Petra is in the final stages of grieving the breakdown of her marriage to her husband. She lives alone with her assistant Marlene, whom she treats terribly. Petra is most often seen barking orders at Marlene or venting her frustrations on Marlene, while the latter takes everything in deaf silence. As unstable as this dominance-based relationship may seem, it seems to work for both of them. The relationship between Petra and Marlene is a strange one, albeit a resolved one. Petra is the dominant woman and Marlene is the devoted but submissive assistant. Throughout the entire film, Marlene does not utter a single word. This is...... middle of paper ......| News from the UK and around the world | Newspaper. April 11, 2003. The web. May 11, 2011. .Ruffell, Joe. “Rainer Werner Fassbinder.” Sense of cinema. May 21, 2002. the web. May 11, 2011. .Sayre, Nora. "Movie Review - The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant - Screen: Women in Love: The Cast - NYTimes.com." Movie Reviews, Showtimes & Trailers - Movies - New York Times - The New York Times. October 13, 1973. The web. May 11, 2011. Smith, Derek. “The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant (Fassbinder, 1972).” Cinematic reflections. September 10, 2003. Web. May 11 2011. .