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1962
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120
minutes
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Hisa
Films/Paris-Europa Productions/FI-C-IT/Globus-Dubrava
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Principal
Cast:
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Anthony
Perkins: Joseph K
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Orson
Welles: Hastler
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Romy
Schneider: Leni
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Jeanne
Moreau: Miss Burstner
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Akim
Tamiroff: Block
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Elsa
Martinelli: Hilda
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Principal
Crew:
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Director/Script:
Orson Welles
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Cinematography:
Edmond Richard
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Editor:
Yvonne Martin
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Music:
Jean Ledrut
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Pinscreen
Sequence: Alexandre Alexeiff and Claire Parker
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Welles' 1962 version of Kafka's novel of the same name came about through an offer from the Salkind brothers to make a film from a list of public domain properties. Welles told Peter Bogdanovich in This is Orson Welles that the only title on the list to interest him was the Kafka work. It is a difficult work to enjoy as entertainment, what with the generally unlikeable characters, bleak story and diversions into philosophical argument.
Excellent performances abound in the film, in particular Anthony Perkin's squirmy, restless Joseph K, tormented from the opening scenes of the film. It's his work that I think makes the film hard to watch, sometimes, as we are forced to see this man put under the hammer, until his inevitable end. The surreal qualities of the film allow for some potent humor as well, though some may not see humor in such situations.
The film remains in the public domain, and it can consequently be found on numerous fly by night video labels, so be aware of what you're buying or renting. A recent restoration of the 35mm negative has left us with probably the best looking version of the film we'll have. This version is availble on videotape and DVD in North America, and a 2003 French DVD release has a similar restored version. See the video link below for comparisons.
'The Trial of Orson Welles' from Films and Filming, October 1962
Transcript of 1962 BBC Interview with Welles About The Trial
The Missing Scene: The Electronic Brain