Mephisto: A Timeless Tale of Ambition and Morality

At the 54th Academy Awards in 1982, Chariots of Fire claimed its renowned status, while Katharine Hepburn made history. Less discussed today, however, is a striking European film that took home the award for Best International Feature: Mephisto, directed by István Szabó. This Hungarian film marked a significant milestone as the first of its kind to win this accolade.

Reflecting on that unexpected moment four decades later, the now 87-year-old Szabó expresses his surprise, saying, “I didn’t expect it.” His joy was palpable during the live ceremony as he took the stage, acknowledging that the recognition belonged not only to him but also to Klaus Maria Brandauer, the film’s captivating lead, and the talented Hungarian crew that brought the film to life.

The Legacy of Mephisto

Released in 1981, Mephisto stands as a cornerstone of Hungarian cinema, yet it has become somewhat forgotten. After a DVD release in the early 2000s, the film fell out of circulation and has been largely absent from popular streaming services. This December, however, Second Run, in partnership with the National Film Institute of Hungary, is set to restore and re-release Szabó’s remarkable work, along with its sequels: Colonel Redl, which explores the life of a gay officer in the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Hanussen, a drama set during the Nazi era.

The Plot of Mephisto

The film chronicles the life of Hendrik Höfgen, an aspiring stage actor who chooses to sever ties with his leftist theatre background as the Nazis rise to power in Germany. Szabó describes Höfgen as “a very talented actor who wants to assert his talent at all costs.” As friends and colleagues fall victim to the regime, Höfgen aligns himself more closely with the Nazis, eventually becoming the head of the Berlin state theatre.

Brandauer’s extraordinary portrayal of Höfgen captures the character’s turbulent ambitions, willful ignorance, and a dangerous allure, resulting in one of the most compelling performances in cinematic history. Szabó recalls the importance of highlighting Brandauer’s nuances: “It was crucial for me, for us, to decide what to show in close up from Brandauer’s secrets. What he reveals and what he conceals.”

Historical Context and Themes

Mephisto draws inspiration from the real-life narrative of Gustaf Gründgens, whose career flourished when the Nazis invested heavily in theatre to align it with their ideology. Klaus Mann, Gründgens’ former partner, famously critiqued him in a novel that led to a significant libel case in the 1960s, which ultimately resulted in a ban on the book. Gründgens passed away in 1963, never expressing remorse for his alignment with the Nazi regime. Nonetheless, under Szabó’s direction, Mephisto transcends its specific historical context to become a broader commentary on humanity’s willing complicity with evil, reflecting on the moral dilemmas of our times.

Lessons for Today

As authoritarianism resurfaces in various forms around the globe, Szabó contemplates the relevance of Mephisto today. He states, “The desire for self-assertion is a human trait that can create many positive values. The issue arises when it serves a misguided ideology, leading talented individuals to become pawns of those in power.” He notes that such dynamics do not necessarily require a dictatorship; influences like corporate power can yield similar outcomes.

A Focus on Hungarian Art

This year has reignited interest in Hungarian art, highlighted by László Krasznahorkai winning the Nobel Prize in Literature and David Szalay receiving a Booker Prize. Szabó identifies himself as a Hungarian director but emphasizes the importance of Central European identity in his work. He has depicted complex historical periods, such as the close of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Hungary’s communist regime, often drawing from his experiences during the Holocaust.

While Szabó expresses concern over the current state of cinema, he acknowledges promising efforts from contemporary filmmakers, such as Barnabás Tóth, who created a poignant piece about life post-Holocaust, and Bálint Szimler, who takes a critical look at Hungary’s education system. To date, only one other Hungarian film, Son of Saul, has matched the Oscar-winning achievement of Mephisto.

Looking Ahead

As for Szabó’s future in film, he remains uncertain. “I can’t say whether I’ll have a chance to make another film,” he shares, citing the physical demands of directing as a significant hurdle. The celebrated films, including Mephisto, Colonel Redl, and Hanussen, are now available in a limited edition Blu-ray box set.

Conclusion

Mephisto not only stands as a pivotal piece of Hungarian cinema but also delivers a powerful exploration of ambition, morality, and complicity, resonating with audiences in today’s world. It serves as a crucial reminder of the consequences of blind ambition in the face of oppressive regimes and the importance of staying true to one’s values.

• Mephisto won the Oscar for Best International Feature in 1982.
• The film tells the story of an ambitious actor navigating the Nazi regime.
• Szabó emphasizes the moral lessons of ambition and complicity in today’s society.
• The film has been restored and re-released alongside its sequels.