Review of Mephisto (1981) by Pappas K — 31 Jan 2012

István Szabóâ(TM)s film adaptation of Klaus Mannâ(TM)s novel explores the rise of Nazism in Germany. The question asked is how the previously tolerant and liberal community of creative intellectuals, writers, artists and actors did a 180 and began to support the totalitarian state. Fear and survivalism were certainly factors, but many great thinkers were quite effectively brainwashed into hate and dehumanization. And many were deluding themselves, refusing to see the reality of the acts their own country was conducting.

Klaus Maria Brandauer convinces as Hendrik, a stage actor who personifies the whole class of artists and thinkers. His colleagues flee their homes in fear and opposition of the oncoming reign, but Hendrik, obsessed by the character he plays in a Faustian play, seems to lose touch with himself. He is easily drawn in on the Nazi mentality. He adapts and survives, but at what cost?

Szabóâ(TM)s film is packed with questions about identity, values, mental health and morality. At almos two and a half hours, the whole seems a bit tedious, however. The audience experience Hendrikâ(TM)s nightmare, but the intensity doesnâ(TM)t hold throughout the film.