Discover
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Orson Welles
Screenplay -
Roberto Perpignani
Assistant Editor -
Robert Fraisse
Second Assistant Camera -
Alexandre Alexeieff
Animation -
Franz Kafka
Novel -
Alexander Salkind
Producer -
Paul Seban
Assistant Director -
Jacques Lebreton
Sound Mixer
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CaseyReese 6/26/2024 7:37:52 PM
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CinemaSerf 11/6/2022 10:04:09 AM
There is something really quite terrifying about the scenario in which "Josef K" (a career-best performance from Anthony Perkins, I think) finds himself in this rather sinister thriller. He is awakened one morning to find the police in his bedroom. He is arrested and told he is to stand trial. For what, you might think? Well, that's what he wonders too - and every effort he makes to establish just what he is supposed to have done fails to deliver. His detention is hardly traditional either. He is largely free to come and go as he pleases, provided always that he is available to attend his questioning sessions by those who seem rather arbitrarily charged with deciding his guilt or innocence. As his (and our) frustrations grow, he explores the lives of those close to him - might the source of his predicament lie there? Luckily, his uncle learns of his situation and engages the learned advocate "Hastler" (Orson Welles) - but is he likely to prove an help or an hindrance? This story is Kafka as his very best. Machiavellian scheming mixed with the ultimate in "Big Brother" state manipulation; the disabling lack of information and the increasing exasperation of young "Josef" are successfully transferred onto an audience that shares his fears and apprehensions. Gradually, we learn a great deal about this man, his flaws, foibles and fetishes, but still are uncertain as to just what he is supposed to have done! A considerable degree of the menace here emanates from the dark photography and from an effective supporting cast who excel in perpetuating the mystery, too. Welles directs this with considerable aplomb, Jean Ledrut provides an evocative and mysterious score to accompany a screenplay that delivers the sense of vexation and chagrin well and compellingly. Fans of horror films ought to watch this too - it's one of the scariest films I have ever seen.
Romy Schneider
LeniAnthony Perkins
Josef K.Orson Welles
Albert HastlerJeanne Moreau
Marika BurstnerElsa Martinelli
HildaMichael Lonsdale
PriestAkim Tamiroff
BlochFernand Ledoux
Chief Clerk of the Law Court