Egon Schiele: Death and the Maiden

Set in Vienna around 1910, the film follows Egon Schiele as he breaks through the city's conservative art scene with a fearless, improvisational approach to painting. His canvases blaze with raw impulse, exposing bodies, desires and emotions that many viewers find unsettling and liberating in equal measure. The narrative tracks his rise from a young, hungry painter to a recognized figure whose provocative imagery challenges polite society and the boundaries of art itself. Against a backdrop of opulent salons, crowded studios and restless critics, the story looks at the costs and rewards of pursuing truth through creation. It is a portrait of ambition, friendship and the price of artistic freedom. Its tone remains restrained, letting history reveal its own pace.

Directed by Dieter Berner and written with Hilde Berger, the film presents a biographical portrait of Egon Schiele during Vienna's prewar modernist scene. It premiered in 2016 and aims to illuminate his controversial rise for curious audiences and invites reflection.

Its release was largely art house oriented, resulting in a modest box office footprint and sparse international distribution channels, with figures not publicly detailed by distributors. Critics noted that genre appeal outweighed audience reach, keeping the project within limited theaters.

Awards and nominations: There are no major nominations recorded for this title, underscoring its status as a modest biographical drama rather than a festival prize winner. Its presence is felt in performances and period detail rather than awards ceremonies. Its understated approach earned praise from some art house audiences later.

Reception and themes: Critics respond to the film's restrained, intimate look at Schiele and his circle. It centers on artistic independence, the clash between erotic modernism and social norms, and the toll such a life can take on relationships and reputation. Film lingers, inviting viewers to see Schiele with context.