3pm PST – Trial, The (1963) – In this adaptation of Kafka’s classic, a man in a nameless country stands trial for an unnamed crime. Cast: Anthony Perkins, Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider, Elsa Martinelli Dir: Orson Welles BW-120 mins, TV-14
You can decide if you want to see it again, but everyone should see Welles impressive adaptation of Franz Kafka’s classic nightmare at least once, if only for the film’s stunning look and atmosphere. “The Trial” is a challenging film. There’s no real story, a whole lot of slow spots and an overall pace with little respect for the audience. But it is a wonder to look at and fans of the novel are likely to appreciate how close Welles came to filming what was widely believed to be un-filmable (or they might stand by that opinion).
The production was typically chaotic for a Welles picture, much of it self-inflicted by the director himself (which was also typical), but like most of his later films there’s always some genius shining through what you might consider a mess.
Anthony Perkins is Joseph K, an everyday man (that’s the point) who awakes to find himself under arrest and falsely accused for a crime no one can, or will, explain. His dizzying trip through a hellish bureaucracy and judicial system, all set in vast, empty, colorless interiors and exteriors, is photographed to disorient the viewer and create a constant sense of claustrophobia and hostility.
Long takes, gorgeous black and white cinematography, brilliantly conceived sets and locations, and a strong central performance from Perkins make “The Trial” a completely unique experience. Some say it’s a masterpiece, others a self-indulgent disaster. For my money, it’s most certainly flawed, but also unforgettable.
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