
Despair 1978
"A hysterical comedy"
In the tumultuous era of 1930s Berlin, Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Despair (1978) masterfully crafts a darkly comedic tale of identity crisis and desperation. Hermann Hermann, a Russian emigrant, struggles to maintain control over his life, his business, and his marriage.
Director: Rainer Werner Fassbinder
Cast









Frequently Asked Questions
What is Despair (1978) about?
In the 1930s, Hermann Hermann, a Russian emigrant, struggles to maintain control over his life, his business, and his marriage, but everything changes when he encounters Felix, a mysterious vagrant who eerily mirrors his own appearance.
Who directed Despair?
Rainer Werner Fassbinder, a renowned German director known for his bold and thought-provoking films.
Who stars in Despair?
The film features a talented cast, including Dirk Bogarde and Andréa Ferréol.
Is Despair (1978) worth watching?
With its blend of satire and psychological thriller elements, Despair is a gripping and thought-provoking experience that will appeal to fans of Fassbinder's work and those interested in the complexities of the human experience. However, its slow pace and dark themes may not be to everyone's taste.
How long is Despair?
117 minutes
🎥 Trailer
About Despair (1978) — A Darkly Comedic Tale of Identity Crisis and Desperation
In the tumultuous era of 1930s Berlin, Rainer Werner Fassbinder's Despair (1978) masterfully crafts a darkly comedic tale of identity crisis and desperation. Hermann Hermann, a Russian emigrant, struggles to maintain control over his life, his business, and his marriage. But everything changes when he encounters Felix, a mysterious vagrant who eerily mirrors his own appearance. As Hermann becomes increasingly unhinged, he begins to question the very fabric of his reality. With a talented cast including Dirk Bogarde and Andréa Ferréol, Despair is a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, power, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy. This visually striking drama, with its blend of satire and psychological thriller elements, is a must-watch for fans of Fassbinder's work and those interested in the complexities of the human experience.
As the Nazi party rises to power, Hermann's world begins to crumble, and he finds himself at a crossroads. Will he find a way to escape the chaos, or will he succumb to the darkness that surrounds him? With its unflinching gaze into the human psyche, Despair (1978) is a gripping and unsettling cinematic experience that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats.
In the world of cinema, few directors have pushed the boundaries as boldly as Rainer Werner Fassbinder. With Despair, he crafts a film that is both a scathing critique of the social ills of the time and a deeply personal exploration of the human condition. Featuring a standout performance from Dirk Bogarde, this drama is a gripping and thought-provoking experience that will linger long after the credits roll.