THE TRIAL

BASED ON the novel by Franz Kafka, THE TRIAL is an intense drama telling the story of Josef K. (Kyle Maclachlan), who, on the morning of his thirtieth birthday, wakes to find himself being placed under arrest. No dull account of prison and punishment, THE TRIAL chronicles the nightmare of Josef K.’s struggle to find the real reason for his unjust conviction. In this interpretation, Kafka’s masterpiece takes a shockingly modern turn. Harold Pinter’s powerful screenplay ensures that the audience understands the power of a fascist state and what took place behind the Iron Curtain for seventy years. Innocent people were charged, found guilty, imprisoned, and even sent to their deaths for crimes they did not commit.

This modern adaptation of THE TRIAL is a superb rendition. The original version, directed by Orson Welles in 1963, was considered by Welles as “the best film I’ve ever made.” This current version compares favorably with Welles’ original and is outstanding in every manner: the acting is superb, the script is almost impeccable and the photography brilliant. It is an outstanding movie, but viewers take caution. Because of the intensity and complexity of the movie, it is recommended for adults only. Children under 16 will have a difficult time understanding the concepts and dynamics of this THE TRIAL.