Despair

Synopsis

Despair is a psychological drama film directed by Rainer Werner Fassbinder, based on the novel by Vladimir Nabokov. The story follows Hermann, a chocolate factory owner in 1930s Berlin, whose life takes a dark turn as he becomes obsessed with his doppelgänger. As Hermann's reality unravels and paranoia sets in, the film delves into themes of identity, delusion, and the crumbling social order of pre-World War II Germany. With mesmerizing cinematography and a haunting musical score, Despair captures the descent into madness with chilling precision and gripping intensity.

Cast

• 

  Dirk Bogarde

  Hermann Hermann

• 

  Andréa Ferréol

  Lydia Hermann

• 

  Klaus Löwitsch

  Felix Weber

• 

  Volker Spengler

  Ardalion

• 

  Bernhard Wicki

  Orlovius

• 

  Armin Meier

  Silverman / Sergeant Brown / Foreman

Reviews

Despair has garnered mixed reviews from critics, with many praising Dirk Bogarde's captivating performance as the tormented Hermann. The Hollywood Reporter calls it "a visually striking and emotionally haunting film," while Variety praises the film for its dark, surreal atmosphere. However, some critics have found the pacing to be slow and the narrative structure disjointed. The New York Times criticizes the film for its lack of emotional depth, stating that it fails to fully explore the complexities of its characters. Despite these criticisms, Despair has a 65% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 6.9/10 rating on IMDb.

See also

Deadpool

The Shawshank Redemption

Joker

Titanic