| The Trial | |
|---|---|
&sq=&lang=&file=File:Trial-Poster-France-1962.jpg) French theatrical release poster | |
| French | Le Procès |
| Directed by | Orson Welles |
| Screenplay by | Orson Welles |
| Based on | The Trial by Franz Kafka |
| Produced by | Alexander Salkind |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Edmond Richard |
| Edited by | Fritz H. Mueller |
| Music by |
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| Distributed by | Astor Pictures Corporation |
Release dates |
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Running time | 118 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
| Budget | US$1.3 million |
| Box office | 998,779 admissions (France)[1] |
The Trial (French: Le Procès) is a 1962 drama film written and directed by Orson Welles, based on the 1925 posthumously published novel of the same name by Franz Kafka. Welles stated immediately after completing the film: "The Trial is the best film I have ever made".[2] The film begins with Welles narrating Kafka's parable "Before the Law" to pinscreen scenes created by the artists Alexandre Alexeieff and Claire Parker.
Anthony Perkins stars as Josef K., a bureaucrat who is accused of a never-specified crime, and Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider and Elsa Martinelli play women who become involved in various ways in Josef's trial and life. Welles plays the Advocate, Josef's lawyer and the film's principal antagonist.
The Trial has grown in reputation over the years, and some critics, including Roger Ebert, have called it a masterpiece.[3] It is often praised for its scenic design and cinematography, the latter of which includes disorienting camera angles and unconventional use of focus.[4]
- ^ Soyer, Renaud (20 June 2014). "Box Office Orson Welles". Box Office Story. Retrieved 13 July 2018.
- ^ Wheldon, Huw (1962). "Orson Welles on THE TRIAL". BBC. Retrieved 6 March 2010 – via Wellesnet.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
ebertwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Taubin, Amy (20 June 2000). "Are You Defending Your Life?". The Village Voice. Archived from the original on 21 October 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2010.