transitional steps. Sirk, Stahl, Stairs (video essay)

In the two film versions of IMITATION OF LIFE (directed by John M. Stahl in 1934 and by Douglas Sirk in 1959) the stage prop of stairs acquire a particular rich meaning. The staircase as transitional space is the place where not only different people but with them also different classes meet. A heterotopia the staircase promises the possibility of passing – both in concrete and figurative sense. But what happens when the stairs lead nowhere?

Made as part of the lecture podium „Double Bill on Double Bill: Imitation of Life“ at the Filmpodium Zurich, October 26 2022.