A criminal mastermind uses hypnosis to rule the rackets after death.A criminal mastermind uses hypnosis to rule the rackets after death.A criminal mastermind uses hypnosis to rule the rackets after death.
The Dark Knight (2008) features a version of The Joker inspired by Mabuse. Throughout the film, the character recites monologues promoting chaos and disorder which borrow heavily from Mabuse's testament. Director Christopher Nolan has stated: "I think I made Jonah (Nolan's brother, Jonathan Nolan) watch Fritz Lang's Dr. Mabuse prior to writing the Joker.
Hofmeister supposedly scratches Mabuse's name in a window pane of his apartment with a ring, but Hofmeister is not wearing any rings when Division 2-B enter his apartment.
Dr. Mabuse: The ultimate purpose of crime is to establish the endless empire of crime. A state of complete insecurity and anarchy, founded upon the tainted ideals of a world doomed to annihilation. When humanity, subjugated by the terror of crime, has been driven insane by fear and horror, and when chaos has become supreme law, then the time will have come for the empire of crime.
Turner Classic Movies broadcast a restored version put together in 2000 from segments in various film archives and distributed by Janis Films. Its length is 3,341 meters and ran 121 minutes. It had no cast or crew credits other than the director.
A not to be missed masterpiece of suspense filmmaking
Even today The Testament of Dr Mabuse is refreshingly original and at times startling to watch. Lang was truly one of the greats of cinema and along with Alfred Hitchcock basically invented the suspense film. This film is also the reason Lang left Germany, as it wasn't viewed kindly by the newly elected government.