Clown Helge Schneider is Known as 'The Klimperclown' - Comedian Helge Schneider is fondly referred to as the "Climper Clown"
Helge Schneider, the renowned German entertainer, celebrates his 70th birthday this August 30th. To mark the occasion, ARD broadcast a documentary titled "The Klimperclown" on August 20th at 10:50 PM. This unconventional biographical film offers a fresh and engaging viewing experience, blending truth and fiction in a mockumentary style.
The documentary, filmed by Schneider’s long-time guitarist and friend Sandro Giampietro, provides a personal and authentic perspective on Schneider’s life, music, and humor. It eschews standard interviews and talking-head testimonials, instead relying on old Super 8 and VHS recordings, playful sketches, and live musical performances to narrate Schneider’s story.
Schneider’s career as an artist has defied every pigeonhole for decades. Known for his unpredictable performances, he plays multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, saxophone, drums, violin, cello, Hammond organ, trumpet, and accordion. The documentary showcases some of his songs, both in short sequences and in full length, offering a glimpse into his idiosyncratic blend of jazz and comedy.
One of Schneider’s most famous pieces, "Katzeklo," is presented in the documentary as a spontaneous improvisation, a testament to his improvisational style. The documentary also features various original past footage on Super 8 or VHS, short sketches, or work excerpts, providing a comprehensive look at his artistic journey.
As a child, Schneider aspired to be a clown, and the term "Klimperclown" has since become synonymous with him. This documentary offers a highly personal, humorous, and stylistically unique portrait of Schneider that breaks from standard documentary tropes by merging reality with playful fiction.
Currently, Schneider is on tour with his program "A Man and His Music." On his birthday, he is scheduled to perform in the Hamburg Stadtpark as part of his tour. However, no birthday party is planned for Schneider, as he jokingly mentioned he might not be there.
Before focusing on his career as an entertainer, Schneider had various jobs, such as landscape gardener, draftsman, and cow driver. In addition to his music and stage performances, Schneider has written books, made films, and produced audiobooks.
If you missed the broadcast, fear not! "The Klimperclown" is available in ARD’s mediathek for you to watch at your convenience. It’s a must-see for any fan of Schneider or anyone interested in a unique and engaging documentary experience.
[1] ARD (2022). The Klimperclown - Der Film. [online] Available at: https://www.ardmediathek.de/videos/163317-20220820-die-klimperclown-der-film
[2] ZDF (2022). Die Klimperclown-Show: Helge Schneider wird 70. [online] Available at: https://www.zdf.de/nachrichten/kultur/klimperclown-show-helge-schneider-wird-70-100.html
[3] Spiegel Online (2022). Der Klimperclown: Helge Schneider im Film. [online] Available at: https://www.spiegel.de/kultur/musik/helge-schneider-der-klimperclown-im-film-a-5c301295-392b-456e-9491-b8f77e316834
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