To say this film is a family melodrama would be an understatement. This is Melodrama with a capital M, and a beautiful homage to Douglas Sirk, particularly his film All that Heaven Allows. Fassbinder brilliantly articulates class and sexual politics by showing how once the prejudices surrounding a controversial couple begin to lessen, their relationship starts to unravel. His famous indoor long-shot is perfectly integrated and the colors masterfully contrasted with the reality they adorn.