# Mephisto

> 1981 film directed by István Szabó

**Wikidata**: [Q314418](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q314418)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mephisto_(1981_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mephisto

## Summary
*Mephisto* is a 1981 drama film directed by Hungarian filmmaker István Szabó, known for its exploration of existential themes and psychological depth. The film, based on the novel *Mephisto* by Klaus Mann, follows a man who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman, leading to a descent into moral and intellectual decay. Szabó's direction and the film's atmospheric storytelling have made it a significant work in world cinema.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: April 24, 1981
- **Director**: István Szabó
- **Genre**: Drama
- **Based On**: *Mephisto* by Klaus Mann
- **Country of Origin**: Hungary, West Germany, France
- **Language**: German
- **Runtime**: 144 minutes
- **Awards**: Won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film (1982), the National Board of Review Award for Best Foreign Language Film (1981), and the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival (1981)
- **Wikidata ID**: Q188522267
- **IMDb ID**: tt0082736
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 80%
- **Metacritic Score**: 7.5/10
- **Followed By**: *Colonel Redl* (1985), another film by István Szabó
- **Instance Of**: Film
- **Genre Classification**: Drama, Historical Film
- **Publication Date**: January 1, 1981
- **Sitelink Count**: 36

## FAQs
**What is the genre of *Mephisto*?**
*Mephisto* is a drama film, exploring themes of existentialism, psychological decay, and moral ambiguity. It is also classified as a historical film due to its setting and narrative depth.

**Who directed *Mephisto*?**
The film was directed by Hungarian filmmaker István Szabó, known for his distinctive visual style and thematic depth in films like *Colonel Redl*.

**What awards has *Mephisto* won?**
*Mephisto* won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 1982, the National Board of Review Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1981, and the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981.

**What is the runtime of *Mephisto*?**
The film has a runtime of 144 minutes, reflecting its complex narrative and Szabó's meticulous direction.

**What is the basis of *Mephisto*?**
The film is based on the novel *Mephisto* by Klaus Mann, which explores themes of intellectual and moral decay through the protagonist's obsession with a mysterious woman.

## Why It Matters
*Mephisto* is significant as a landmark in world cinema, particularly for its exploration of existential themes and psychological depth. Directed by István Szabó, the film's atmospheric storytelling and moral ambiguity have made it a notable work in the drama genre. Its success at the Cannes Film Festival and its awards, including the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, underscore its cultural and artistic impact. The film's exploration of intellectual and moral decay remains relevant in discussions about human nature and the consequences of obsession. Additionally, *Mephisto* has influenced subsequent films and directors, contributing to its lasting legacy in cinema.

## Notable For
- **Academy Award Winner**: Won the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 1982, recognizing its global significance.
- **Cannes Film Festival Success**: Won the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981, highlighting its narrative excellence.
- **National Board of Review Recognition**: Received the National Board of Review Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1981, affirming its critical acclaim.
- **Existential Themes**: Explores deep philosophical and psychological themes, setting it apart in the drama genre.
- **Director's Signature Style**: Directed by István Szabó, known for his distinctive visual and thematic approach in films like *Colonel Redl*.
- **Based on a Classic Novel**: Adapted from Klaus Mann's *Mephisto*, a novel that has influenced literature and film.
- **Atmospheric Storytelling**: Features a compelling narrative and atmospheric direction, contributing to its cultural impact.

## Body
### Core Details
*Mephisto* is a 1981 drama film directed by Hungarian filmmaker István Szabó, based on the novel *Mephisto* by Klaus Mann. The film follows a man who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman, leading to a descent into moral and intellectual decay. Released on April 24, 1981, the film has a runtime of 144 minutes and is known for its existential themes and psychological depth.

### Production and Release
The film was produced in collaboration between Hungary, West Germany, and France, with Hungarian as the primary language. It was released on January 1, 1981, and has since become a significant work in world cinema. The film's production involved a team of dedicated artists and technicians, contributing to its high-quality production values.

### Awards and Recognition
*Mephisto* has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film in 1982, the National Board of Review Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1981, and the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1981. These awards highlight the film's cultural and artistic significance.

### Critical Reception
The film has been praised for its atmospheric storytelling and moral ambiguity, earning critical acclaim and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 80% and a Metacritic score of 7.5/10. Its exploration of intellectual and moral decay has made it a notable work in the drama genre.

### Director's Background
István Szabó, the director of *Mephisto*, is known for his distinctive visual style and thematic depth in films like *Colonel Redl*. His direction has been influential in world cinema, contributing to the film's cultural impact.

### Genre and Themes
*Mephisto* is classified as a drama film and a historical film, exploring themes of existentialism, psychological decay, and moral ambiguity. Its narrative depth and atmospheric storytelling have set it apart in the genre.

### Follow-Up Films
The film was followed by *Colonel Redl* (1985), another notable work by István Szabó, continuing his exploration of complex themes in world cinema.

### Cultural Impact
*Mephisto* has had a lasting cultural impact, influencing subsequent films and directors. Its exploration of human nature and the consequences of obsession remains relevant in discussions about existential themes and moral decay.

### Technical Details
The film's technical details include a Wikidata ID of Q188522267, an IMDb ID of tt0082736, and a sitelink count of 36. These details reflect the film's presence in various databases and its recognition in the film industry.

### Related Works
The film is based on the novel *Mephisto* by Klaus Mann, which has influenced literature and film. Its adaptation has contributed to its cultural significance and critical acclaim.

### Awards and Honors
*Mephisto* has won several prestigious awards, including the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, the National Board of Review Award for Best Foreign Language Film, and the Best Screenplay Award at the Cannes Film Festival. These awards highlight the film's excellence and its impact on world cinema.

### Director's Influence
István Szabó's direction has been influential in world cinema, contributing to the film's cultural impact and critical acclaim. His distinctive visual style and thematic depth have made *Mephisto* a notable work in the drama genre.

### Genre Classification
*Mephisto* is classified as a drama film and a historical film, exploring themes of existentialism, psychological decay, and moral ambiguity. Its narrative depth and atmospheric storytelling have set it apart in the genre.

### Follow-Up Films
The film was followed by *Colonel Redl* (1985), another notable work by István Szabó, continuing his exploration of complex themes in world cinema. This follow-up has contributed to the director's legacy and the film's cultural impact.

### Cultural Impact
*Mephisto* has had a lasting cultural impact, influencing subsequent films and directors. Its exploration of human nature and the consequences of obsession remains relevant in discussions about existential themes and moral decay. The film's cultural significance is reflected in its awards and critical acclaim.

## References

1. filmportal.de
2. Mephisto. IMDb
3. Freebase Data Dumps
4. Ny vår i Wien – Klaus Maria Brandauer i tradisjonenes by. Streiftog
5. [Klaus Mann: "Mephisto". Deutsche Welle](https://www.dw.com/de/klaus-mann-mephisto/a-43184447)
6. Mephisto. AlloCiné
7. [Full Cast & Crew. IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082736/fullcredits)
8. [Mephisto. Česko-Slovenská filmová databáze](https://www.csfd.cz/film/36422-mefisto/prehled/)
9. [Mefisto. Stopklatka](https://archiwum.stopklatka.pl/film/mefisto)
10. [The 54th Academy Awards. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1982)
11. [1982 Award Winners. National Board of Review of Motion Pictures](http://www.nationalboardofreview.org/award-years/1982/)
12. [Mephisto. Cannes Film Festival](https://www.festival-cannes.com/en/films/mephisto)
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. Mephisto. Rotten Tomatoes
15. [Source](http://www.fsk.de/asp/filestream.asp?dir=karte&file=0509\52608DVD.pdf)
16. Kinopoisk
17. [Source](http://bbfc.co.uk/releases/mephisto-1981)
18. [Source](http://www.kijkwijzer.nl/index.php?id=26&i=53016)
19. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/mephisto/)
20. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
21. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
22. [Source](http://www.cnc.fr/web/fr/rechercher-une-oeuvre/-/visa/54911)
23. Cineplex
24. Online-Filmdatenbank
25. [Source](http://www.classification.gov.au/Pages/View.aspx?ncdctx=7R7ZlAr4pvxzZvFrC53h61AsSdOUzb41FkMyUfC%2bCZrK588698kELYYSbGNMhcHQ)
26. mymovies.it
27. The Movie Database
28. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/92267)
29. Trakt.tv
30. FilmVandaag.nl