Despair Poster

Despair 1978

★ 6.546 votes117 min📅 1978-09-15

"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

Dirk Bogarde
Dirk Bogarde
Hermann Hermann
Andréa Ferréol
Andréa Ferréol
Lydia Hermann
Klaus Löwitsch
Klaus Löwitsch
Felix Weber
Volker Spengler
Volker Spengler
Ardalion
Bernhard Wicki
Bernhard Wicki
Orlovius
Armin Meier
Armin Meier
Silverman / Sergeant Brown / Foreman
Peter Kern
Peter Kern
Müller
Adrian Hoven
Adrian Hoven
Inspector Schelling
Alexander Allerson
Mayer
Hark Bohm
Hark Bohm
Doctor

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.