This is the third feature length film I've seen by director Orson Welles. I chose to watch this film based on previous good ratings I've given other films by this director and to better my favorite directors by algorithm listing.
The Trial
I recently read the unfinished novel, the English translation by Breon Mitchell to be exact. In a way it was both slow and exciting. But it painted some quite specific images, traded some fascinating dialogue and ideas, and caused me to ponder and think for a long time after finishing it.
Welles' adaptation is wonderful in many ways. He brings life to many of the settings and a few even embellishes a bit which I have no complaints about. Some additions seem a bit strange, like the conversation about the computers, but for the most part everything is from the book.
My main complaint would have to be Anthony Perkins. I did not find him right for the role, or at least the way he played it was way off for me. He just seems a lot more flustered and out of control than the character I read in the book. Not that Joseph K. in the book is ever really in control, but he believes and acts like he is most of the time.
The movie never gets to the same level of pondering and real mental games going on in Joseph's mind that you get in the book. Of course a book lends itself to that kind of thing much better than a film, but it seemed pretty essential here, so I wish the film had more success in that area.
I did not like the change to the ending either. *SPOILERS* In the book Joseph finally gives in and actually kills himself with the knife that is handed to him for him to carry out his own death sentence. In the film, he is blown up by explosives. A completely different ending with a different tone and meaning. Again, I'm not sure why this was done.
Nonetheless it is great to see a lot of the scenes come to life, even if I was hoping for so much more.
Orson Welles:
Total feature length films seen: 3
Previous average film score: 9.5
New average film score: 8.6667
Rating: 7/10