Szabo brings out the finer points of Peter Dobai's literate script (based on the Klaus Mann novel), and Brandauer is fantastic as the all-too-human actor who craves success above all else. Hendrik's tragedy is that he is entirely aware of his own shortcomings, and yet he continues down the path towards his own damnation. That kind of self-love/self-hate push-pull has always fascinated me, and Brandauer balances it perfectly --an actor acting an actor acting an actor.

Something strange and alluring to begin with, but disappoints compared to Il conformista. Nonetheless impressive in light of the disparate cast--Brandauer shining so, so bright.

This movie reminded a lot of Fassbinder: the vivid colors, the period, the particular style of political allegory. Something like a Fassbinder version of The Conformist, perhaps. Klaus Maria Brandauer is superb in the lead, a very complicated role. As an actor, Hendrik is a natural at putting on a facade, and the audience is often unsure of exactly where he stands. I would say the film is a little blunt at times, but I still very much enjoyed it.

It has and interesting visual design and a good script, but the force of the film rests in the hands of Klaus Maria Brandauer, who manages to convey his characters complex and variable strengths and weaknesses in a very profound and organic way. Excellent examination on the struggles of balancing conformity, action and ambition.

The Nazi SS atmosphere conflicts directly with art and freedom

#871

817

Brandauer is phenomenal.

768

# 800

Shallow work in deep waters.

The acting allegory was much more subtle than I expected, but no complaints; it fits into the film perfectly. This is an amazingly well-made film. The production values are off the charts, the set design and camerawork beyond impressive, and the lead performance by Brandauer is a thing of beauty. There are lots of layers to be peeled back here in the parallels between his role as an actor and in the Nazi party. This makes a great companion piece to The Conformist.

A well acted and good looking film that explores the moral (and in this case also artistic) disintegration that often goes hand in hand with opportunism. Unfortunately it doesn't really dig deep enough.