The Trial

Welles’ brilliant adaptation of Kafka’s darkly satirical novel is visually extraordinary and memorably inventive.

  • Director

    Orson Welles

  • With

    Anthony Perkins, Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau, Else Martinelli, Romy Schneider

  • France-Italy-West Germany 1962. 119min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    PG

Welles’ marvellously imaginative film of Kafka’s novel centres on a beautifully nuanced performance by Perkins as Josef K, constantly plagued by feelings of guilt (but for what?) when forced to defend himself against the obscure accusations of the still more obscure authorities. The noir cinematography and use of evocative locations in Paris and Zagreb make for a genuinely nightmarish and darkly funny gem.