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The Trial
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The Trial

film by Welles [1962]
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The Trial is a 1962 film directed by Orson Welles, based on Franz Kafka's novel of the same name. The film stars Anthony Perkins as Joseph K., a bank employee who is arrested for an unspecified crime and struggles against a bewildering and irrational legal system. Welles himself appears in the film as an advocate named Hastler.123

The narrative follows Joseph K.'s surreal and frustrating experience as he navigates the labyrinthine bureaucracy of the court, attempting to understand his charges and defend himself, all while facing an unyielding and incomprehensible authority. The film is noted for Welles's "baroque pessimism" and is considered one of his best works.21

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. Orson Welles - Later films: Chimes at Midnight , The Other Side of the Wind , and F for Fake
  2. The Trial
  3. Joseph K.

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