The Trial Reviews

autism simulator

If you’re not saying “wtf is going on” at least 10 times every 30 seconds you’re not getting it. This is unhinged and absurd in the best possible ways yet completely mindless and numb to its own surrealism. Surrealist films respond well when the actors react to them, yet in The Trial, Welles asked the brave question of what if nobody gave a damn. This is a slog of a movie, it’s nonstop Orson Wellesisms like altered perspective, quick, snappy dialogue, and objectively dreamlike atmospheres, yet this time around he doesn’t accomplish anything with them. I haven’t read the book, take points off of me for that, but I did not understand this at all. It feels like a very long road that leads nowhere, I was relieved when it was over because of how intense of a push into chaos it gives you, but it was intriguing enough to where I can’t find myself disliking it. It’s hilarious, it proudly asks no questions, it just guides you through this maze of brutalist set dressing and wondrously insane situations. If you really try had to think about it this is essentially a 1962 episode of I Think You Should Leave. 2.5/5

It had a vibe that I absolutely loved but the story was a bit complicated and confusing to me since I’m not that familiar with Kafka or the book.

The acting, dialogue and directing were awesome which I enjoyed and I might have to give this a rewatch in the future and focus on it a bit more because it was actually a very interesting film.

I don’t really have that many things to say about this film orher than good things and I really enjoyed Anthony’s acting the most.

Overall a complicated story in my opinion but still a great watch.

5/5 ⭐️

The Trial is based on Franz Kafka’s novel and directed by the legendary Orson Welles. This film is definitely pretty bizarre, and a lot of things don’t make much sense, but its message goes far beyond what we see on the surface of this black-and-white film.

The Trial explores the powerlessness of an individual trapped within an absurd, bureaucratic, and uncontrollable system. Josef K. is accused of a crime, but there’s one major problem: what crime did he actually commit? Nobody gives him an answer. Everyone seems to know what’s going on except him and the other “accused” people he encounters throughout the story.

One of the things I enjoyed the most was Welles’ use of cinematography and set design. Labyrinths within labyrinths, doors that lead somewhere but never seem to provide an actual way out—everything creates this constant feeling of confusion, paranoia, and anxiety. The labyrinth becomes a visual representation of the system itself, while Josef K. appears increasingly small and powerless when placed against these enormous structures.

The lighting, shadows, and cinematography are probably my favorite aspects of the film. Without relying on CGI or modern visual effects, Welles manages to create incredibly striking images and makes every detail of the sets feel important. One scene that perfectly captures this is when Josef K. enters the enormous office filled with people working at typewriters. He looks almost insignificant compared to the endless rows of desks surrounding him. It’s a great visual representation of how powerless an individual can feel when confronted by an overwhelming system.

The performances are also worth mentioning, particularly Anthony Perkins as Josef K., Romy Schneider as Leni, Orson Welles as the lawyer Albert Hastler, and Akim Tamiroff as Bloch.

Welles was absolutely the right person to bring this story to the screen. Not only did he direct the film and adapt Kafka’s novel, but his approach to the architecture and design of the sets is what really stood out to me. Some of the enormous interiors and distorted spaces reminded me a lot of Citizen Kane, especially the way Welles uses scale and architecture to make his characters feel insignificant.

Overall, The Trial is definitely a strange and sometimes confusing film, but that’s also part of its appeal. The confusion is intentional—it puts you inside Josef K.’s experience and makes you feel just as trapped and powerless as he is.

I was so confused but I really liked it

Great acting, directing, and dialogue, it’s a very complicated story that I got lost in a bit, but really enjoyed the vibes of the film

it potrays the absurdity of the book very well

The cinematography and set design is brilliant