Berlin Calling

1. What do drugs mean to Ickarus?
I think at first he uses them to relax and have a little more fun.  But once he becomes addicted and things start to go down hill, he uses them to escape life.

2. Why, when, and how are his fans taking drugs, and which drugs do they take?
His fan take them because it appears to be the social norm in that setting.  The drugs are taken by themselves or with him; in the bathrooms or apartments.  The drugs mentioned are Ketamine, MDMA, MDA, Crystal, THC, Cocaine, amphetamine, and PMA.

3. While we can see that his drug habits get him ill and into a psychosis, and while we witness his relapse and inability to work successfully, why does the subculture Ickarus belongs to focus on drugs?
From what we notice in the movie and even in our own culture, is that people tend to associate drugs, drinking, night clubs to a party life. And the setting is all about the night life and parties.

4. Compare the standards you know from your home society with the people you see depicted in this movie. Which are the stark differences and contrasts?
We don't have openly explicit nude scenes in our society.  We also don't promote or accept drugs the way they are shown here. Legally we are not allowed to.

5. Germany is considered a strong industrial nation over the world.  Do you think that the youth culture as depicted here could change that? How about work ethics of Ickarus and of Alice, the label director who fires and then re-signs him?
I think if this movie portrays the youth accurately (that of being in clubs and enjoying the party life), then yes the youth could change it.  It would no longer be a strong industrial nation.  Ickarus tries hard but just doesn't go about it the right way. Alice is right to let Ickarus go until he becomes clean.  She can't take that risk as a businesswoman.  If there are more people like Alice I think you'll be fine.

6. Which similar "cult movies" of US origin have you seen, if any?
None that I can think of.


Personal Opinion
I think this movie is interesting in the sense of seeing the point of view of a struggling, drug addict, musician.  We have many of those here in the states too.  In fact some of them aren't struggling.  Some develop the habit while they are famous because that is where the association is.  There are many genres known for the high drug consumption.