Kafka (1991)

Writer Franz Kafka works during the day at an insurance company where events lead him to discover a mysterious underground society with strange suppressive goals.

Director:

Steven Soderbergh

Writer:

Lem Dobbs

Stars:

Jeremy Irons, Theresa Russell, Joel Grey

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jeremy Irons	...	Kafka
Theresa Russell	...	Gabriela
Joel Grey	...	Burgel
Ian Holm	...	Doctor Murnau
Jeroen Krabbé	...	Bizzlebek
Armin Mueller-Stahl	...	Grubach
Alec Guinness	...	The Chief Clerk
Brian Glover	...	Castle Henchman
Keith Allen	...	Assistant Ludwig
Simon McBurney	...	Assistant Oscar
Robert Flemyng	...	The Keeper of the Files
Matyelok Gibbs	...	Concierge
Ion Caramitru	...	Solemn Anarchist
Hilde Van Mieghem	...	Female Anarchist (as Hilde Van Meighem)
Jan Nemejovský	...	Mustachioed Anarchist

Storyline

Kafka, an insurance worker gets embroiled in an underground group after a co-worker is murdered. The underground group is responsible for bombings all over town, attempting to thwart a secret organization that controls the major events in society. He eventually penetrates the secret organization and must confront them.

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Plot Keywords:

secret | worker | writer | co worker | anarchy | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Mystery | Sci-Fi | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG-13

Details

Country:

France USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 November 1991 (USA)

Also Known As:

Delitti e segreti

Filming Locations:

Barrandov Studios, Prague, Czech Republic

Box Office

Budget:

$11,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$1,100,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Baltimore Pictures, Pricel, Renn Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min 92 min (TV)

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Loosely based on Franz Kafka's novel, "The Castle". In it a protagonist, known only as K., struggles to gain access to the mysterious authorities of a castle who govern the village for unknown reasons. Kafka died before finishing the work.

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Quotes

Burgel: [sarcastically, as Franz shows up for work] But Kafka, you're... on time!

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Connections

References M (1931)

User Reviews

Compelling

I haven't read everything by Kafka, but I do love those of his novels I have taken in. And I am interested in what Soderbergh directs, though this is the first of them that has really taken me by storm(to be fair, the others are thus far limited to Erin Brockovich, Solaris and Ocean's Eleven, an unfortunate fact that I am trying to rectify). This has some incredible visuals, and the cinematography and editing are spectacular. The plot is engaging, interesting and develops throughout. This has masterfully done, intense and chilling sequences. The acting is perfect. All of the casting is spot-on, as well. This has astounding atmosphere and mood, and is immensely effective. It is not a Hollywood or mainstream experience, and if you are looking for something light or easy, this isn't it. I suggest that you find out as much as possible about Franz, his life and his written works(if you like them, this is a must-see for you, if you enjoy the medium of film at all), and try to avoid learning anything about the content of this prior to watching it. I recommend this to any and all fans of the author and/or Steven. 7/10