Frank Ripploh’s largely autobiographical landmark of gay cinema sees him also take the lead as the schoolteacher in a fractious relationship with partner Bernd. While Bernd wants to become exclusive, Frank’s wandering eye and sexual appetite results in him regularly cruising Berlin’s clubs and public toilets for anonymous sex.

The ground-breaking Taxi Zum Klo is a candid depiction of the gay scene in the pre-AIDS era, warts and all, as it ranges from graphic sex scenes to domestic discussions between the two men as they try to find a way to make their relationship work to their mutual satisfaction. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.) 

This film is screening as part of Sex, the first of our three-month season dedicated to excess, presenting examples of how cinema has taken on sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll in Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.

See also our monthly film from the IFI Irish Film Archive, From the Vaults: I Can’t I Can’t, which screens on January 22nd.