Introduction:
I first heard about this
film in a book I have dealing with the movies of David Lynch. Lynch mentions it
as a film that influenced his visual style as well as his interest in creating
a particular mood in his films. Orson Welles directed the film so you know it’s
going to at least look good, but can you really adapt a story by Franz Kafka
into a motion picture?
Summary:
Josef K (Anthony Perkins) is
going to have a bad day. He awakens to find himself under arrest for an
unstated crime. Josef then attempts to find out what crime he’s committed, who
accused him, or what the hell he’s supposed to do next. But instead of answers,
he only finds more questions. Each new encounter fills him with a new level of
dread. It becomes very apparent that no matter what he does, or who he talks
to, his life is in danger.
Finally he meets with the
famous advocate Hastler (Orson Welles) who hints that he may be able to save
him, but at a price. Is this just another ruse, a new level to the unknown
game, or is this Josef’s only chance at salvation. In the end The Trial may reveal that the crime
Josef committed, was being ignorant of the crime in the first place.
Good Points:
- Amazing visuals create an oppressive and disturbing atmosphere
- Anthony Perkins does a great job in a difficult role
- Leaves the viewer feeling like they are just missing the point
Bad Points:
- Slowly paced and methodical in execution
- The narrative is never clear
- Leaves the viewer feeling like they are just missing the point
Overall:
Dark, paranoid and
oppressive, the film succeeds in capturing the feeling a Kafka’s work. While
the film never delves into true surreal cinema, it constantly keeps the viewer
from knowing exactly what is going on, or why an event happens. Much like Josef
we are in a dark wonderland that refuses to let us go. Its a wonderful exercise
in creating a nightmarish atmosphere. But this will intrigue some viewers and
alienate others.
Scores
(out of 5)
Visuals: 5
Sound: 3
Acting: 4
Script: 4
Music: 3
Direction: 5
Entertainment: 4
Total: 4
I haven't seen this in many years but I was impressed by it -- considering that the source material, like all of Kafka's work, leaves the readers feeling like they are just missing the point.
ReplyDeleteKafka does resonate on one level though. US criminal courts often have long delays, but they are pretty clear (if sometimes bizarre) about the charges. However, anyone who has dealt with a zoning board or the DEP or some other regulatory body that for month after month (or sometimes years) never quite says what precisely will satisfy it, can empathize with Josef.
I've only read "Metamorphosis" by Mr. Kafka, and it left me scratching my head. But some of his imagery stuck with me. But there were many moments that I wasn't sure if I was supposed to be horrified, amused or just confused. But after seeing "The Trial" I get the feeling that I was supposed to feel all those things. There's a dark humor in the film, and while I think some of it comes from Welles direction and Perkin's acting, I'm pretty sure it was in the source material as well.
DeleteAnd yes, Kafka has nailed some of the bureaucratic nightmares we face in the modern age. Just getting things done at work can take so many committees, reviews and reports that I wonder how the company manages to get anything done.