Mephisto
by Istv?n Szab?
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Gy?rgy Cserhalmi, Ildik? B?ns?gi, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Krystyna Janda, Rolf HoppeDirector: Istv?n Szab?
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Subtitled); German (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Anamorphic, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.77:1
Running Time: 144 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-06-26
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Starz / Anchor Bay
Movie Reviews of Mephisto
Movie Review: The power of art can be so self-defeating...
Summary: 5 Stars
Lord knows I love me a biopic, and when you cast a great actor in the role of a lifetime, well you can pretty much count me in for a good time. `Mephisto' is just that type of a film, a strong, rich and vibrant accounting of a very intriguing man and his life, or at least the most pivotal points within it. The film is entrancing, compassionate, dark and brooding not to mention sensual and titillating. It has so much going for it that I'm pressed to find a single negative.
It may very well be the perfect biopic.
`Mephisto' is based off the book written by Klaus Mann, which tells the life story of actor Gustav Grundgens (probably best known for his role in 1933's `M'; an astonishing film). Gustav's name has been changed for the film to Hendrik Hoefgen, but we all know who this man is. A vibrant and eccentric stage actor, Hendrik lives and breathes his craft. His morals are conflicted when his loved ones flee from Germany in fear of Nazi rule and Hoefgen finds himself staying behind, trading his soul so-to-speak for his career. As Hoefgen slips deeper into his newfound existence we can see how it has taken its toll, transforming him into a person almost unrecognizable to himself or those closest to him. He gives up so much in the pursuit of his art, and thus defeats himself in the process.
The film is expertly crafted to grab out attention and never let it go. Each scene is haunted by the last, complimenting each other with a delicacy that flourishes within the films bleak realities.
There is a softness that blankets the films harsh undertones.
The term `role of a lifetime' is used to represent a performance that defines an actor; that focuses on all of their strengths and can be used to either jumpstart or revitalize a career; or maybe just serve as the pinnacle of their success. Personally I look at Hilary Swank's performance in `Boys Don't Cry' or Marlon Brando in `On the Waterfront' or Meryl Streep in `Sophie's Choice' as examples of this very term. Klaus Maria Brandauer had that moment here. His portrayal of the conflicted and haunted Hendrik Hoefgen is utterly genius. His expert manipulation of his characters emotions and motivations, not to mention our personal grasp of his being, is flawless. I remember seeing `Out of Africa' for the first time and just gasping over his excellence and wondering where I could see more of him. I have yet to really research his resume, but this is a performance that would be hard for any actor to top; seriously one of the best of all time.
Brandauer is in good company here. Gyorgy Cserhalmi is wonderful as Hans Miklas, one of Hoefgen's savage adversaries. Peter Andorai is effective as Otto Ulrichs, one of Hoefgen's dear friends and Karin Boyd is astonishing as Juliette, Hendrik's lover. I was very impressed with Rolf Hoppe who captured the quiet menace behind General Tabornagy's eyes; such restraint, such power.
`Mephisto' is a wonderful film, rich with meaning and an earthy realism that creates a very powerful medium. With stunning performances, detailed background and beautiful direction, `Mephisto' easily becomes one of the better biopics out there; a film that is as haunting as it is sincere; as important as it is unforgettable.
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