The Tin Drum

The Tin Drum

Criterion Collection Edition #234

Oskar is born in Germany in 1924 with an advanced intellect. Repulsed by the hypocrisy of adults and the irresponsibility of society, he refuses to grow older after his third birthday. While the chaotic world around him careens toward the madness and folly of World War II, Oskar pounds incessantly on his beloved tin drum and perfects his uncannily piercing shrieks. THE TIN DRUM, which earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes and the Academy Award for best foreign-language film, is Volker Schlöndorff’s visionary adaptation of Nobel laureate Günter Grass’ acclaimed novel, characterized by surreal imagery, arresting eroticism, and clear-eyed satire.

The Tin Drum
  • The Tin Drum

    Directed by Volker Schlöndorff • 1979 • Germany
    Starring David Bennent, Mario Adorf, Angela Winkler

    Oskar is born in Germany in 1924 with an advanced intellect. Repulsed by the hypocrisy of adults and the irresponsibility of society, he refuses to grow older after his third birthday. While the c...

Extras

  • Volker Schlöndorff on THE TIN DRUM

    In this interview, conducted in 2012, director Volker Schlöndorff discusses the making of THE TIN DRUM, his thoughts on adaptations, and the reasons for a remastered cut of the film.

  • Timothy Corrigan on THE TIN DRUM

    In this 2012 interview, film scholar Timothy Corrigan (“New German Cinema: The Displaced Image”) discusses the themes and style of THE TIN DRUM and its place in the history of German cinema.

  • Roger Corman on THE TIN DRUM

  • The Platform

    The following scene from THE TIN DRUM, in which Oskar disrupts a Nazi rally with his drumming, is accompanied by an audio recording of author Günter Grass reading the corresponding passage from his novel. Grass reads from the original German text, with musical accompaniment.

  • Mario Adorf and Jean-Claude Carrière on THE TIN DRUM

    In this excerpt from the September 23, 1979, episode of the French television program “Les rendez-vous du dimanche,” THE TIN DRUM actor Mario Adorf and coscreenwriter Jean-Claude Carrière discuss their experiences working with director Volker Schlondörff and author Günter Grass. The segment was d...

  • THE TIN DRUM at Cannes

    This segment from the French television program “Cine regards: Bilan du festival de Cannes” follows actor David Bennent and director Volker Schlöndorff at the Cannes Film Festival as they appear with THE TIN DRUM. Directed by Pierre André Boutang and Philippe Collin, it was originally broadcast o...

  • “Cinéma allemand”: Volker Schlöndorff, 1979

    This segment from the French news program “Cinéma allemand” features director Volker Schlöndorff sharing his thoughts on THE TIN DRUM, which was then shooting on location, as well as comments from author Günter Grass. It was directed by Bernard Volker and originally broadcast on January 31, 1979.

  • THE TIN DRUM TV Interviews: Post-Palme

    This segment from the French television program “Cannes palmarès Palme d’Or” features director Volker Schlöndorff right after THE TIN DRUM won the Palme d’Or. Directed by Georges Begou, it was originally broadcast on May 24, 1979.

  • David Plunkert Studio Visit

    Meet the artist behind a variety of Criterion covers.