Begrijpt u nu waarom ik huil?

About This Movie

Begrijpt u nu waarom ik huil? is a haunting dive into the psyche of war survivors. Shot in the late 60s, it’s a raw exploration of trauma through the lens of professor Bastiaans’ unconventional treatment methods. The film follows Joop, a former concentration camp prisoner, as he navigates his painful past with the aid of LSD therapy. The pacing feels contemplative, almost meditative, allowing the viewer to sit with the weight of his experiences. The atmosphere is heavy, yet there's a certain hopefulness that threads through the story. Van Gasteren’s approach to documentary filmmaking here is distinctly personal and immersive, making the audience not just observers but participants in Joop's healing journey.

This film has a certain obscurity that makes it intriguing for collectors, especially those interested in unique documentary practices of the 1960s. It originally had a limited release, which adds to its rarity, and finding it on physical media can be a challenge. The film's exploration of psychological trauma, combined with its experimental approach, makes it a distinctive entry in the documentary genre, appealing to those who appreciate film as a medium for personal and societal reflection.