Decoder (1984)
Decoder (1984), directed by Muscha, starring FM Einheit and William Rice.
score
Information is like a bank. Our job is to rob the bank.
Synopsis
F.M. discovers that different sonic frequencies induce different patterns of behaviour in listeners, first in his own studio but later in the local "H-Burger" restaurant where the passive muzak appears to be wiping people's emotions.
- Johanna HeerCinematography
- MuschaDirector, Editing, Producer, Writer
- Eva-Maria WillEditing
- Jonathon BraunEditing
About the film
Decoder is a 1984 West German film directed by Muscha. It is a cyberpunk and counter-cultural film loosely based on the writings of William S. Burroughs, who also acts in the film.
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Decoder is a 1984 West German film directed by Muscha. It is a cyberpunk and counter-cultural film loosely based on the writings of William S. Burroughs, who also acts in the film.
Plot
The film follows Jaeger ("Hunter", played by Bill Rice), a government agent tasked with suppressing dissent. His efforts are disrupted when a musician (F.M. Einheit) discovers that replacing the calming background music at a burger shop with abrasive industrial music can spark riots, setting off a revolution.
Production
Decoder was made on a small budget and written by Muscha, Klaus Maeck, Volker Schäfer, and Trini Trimpop. Despite its limited resources, the production attracted a number of notable figures from the countercultural and industrial music scenes. The cast includes William S. Burroughs, Genesis P-Orridge, and Christiane Felscherinow. Bands whose music was featured in the film include Soft Cell, Psychic TV, Einstürzende Neubauten, and The The.
Cast
Home media
The film was considered "oddly forgotten" and remained largely inaccessible for many years. In 2019, it was re-released on Blu-ray and DVD by Vinegar Syndrome.
See also
The Electronic Revolution by William S. Burroughs
References
External links
Decoder at IMDb
Text from Decoder (film) on Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decoder_(film)
Trivia
- It premiered on February 19, 1984, a Sunday.
- It runs 1h27 — a typical feature length.
- This film's quiz has 10 questions — enough to play more than once without repeats.
Production
- StudiosFett Film
- CountriesGermany
- LanguagesGerman, English
- StatusReleased
Videos
Cast
-
FM Einheit
F.M. -
William Rice
Jaeger -
Christiane Felscherinow
Christiana -
William S. Burroughs
Old Man -
Genesis P-Orridge
High Priest -
Ralf Richter
Jaeger's Assistant -
Matthias Fuchs
H-Burger Manager -
Alexander Hacke
Pirate -
Mona Mur
Pirate
Quiz about this movie
Questions from the whole catalogue.
Play nowIf you liked this one
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Não Volte Para Casa!
6.7
-
Contenção
5.9
-
Livros de Sangue
6.2
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Abdução
6.1
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O Sinal
5.9
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Arco-Íris Negro: Além da Vida Horror from the 1980s
5.9
-
Ilusão Macabra
5.9
-
Slash/Back
6.4
-
Osíris
6.1
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Apocalipse
6.3
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O Fim do Dia
5.8
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O Filho das Trevas
6.2
Crew
- Johanna Heer Cinematography
- Muscha Director
- Eva-Maria Will Editing
- Jonathon Braun Editing
- Klaus Maeck Editing
- Muscha Editing
- Volker Schäfer Editing
- Klaus Maeck Producer
- Muscha Producer
- Trini Trimpop Producer
- Volker Schäfer Producer
- Klaus Maeck Screenplay
- Muscha Writer
- Trini Trimpop Writer
- Volker Schäfer Writer
Questions about this film
What is Decoder about?
Decoder: F.M. discovers that different sonic frequencies induce different patterns of behaviour in listeners, first in his own studio but later in the local "H-Burger" restaurant where the passive muzak appears to be wiping people's emotions.
Who directed Decoder?
Decoder was directed by Muscha in 1984.
Who stars in Decoder?
The cast of Decoder includes FM Einheit, William Rice, Christiane Felscherinow, William S. Burroughs and Genesis P-Orridge.
How long is Decoder?
Decoder runs for 87 minutes, or 1h27.
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Page updated on 09/15/2026.
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