Superb direction, excellent acting, chilling cinematography, wonderful use of light and shadow, and a plot that simply could not have been more pointless. The story, although similar perhaps in approach to Kafka's work, fails to convey the underlying meaning of the man's work. It seems highly likely that the script-writer read some literary reviews of Kafka's stories, and found that to be sufficient research for his script, ignoring Kafka's actual work altogether.
It's difficult to put this massive (and quite unforgivable) flaw aside, but lets try our best. This is actually one of the best Film Noirs to come out of the last several decades. True, it borrows many ideas from Reed and Wells, but utilizes them very effectively, something that can not be said for the many thousands of other Film Noir directors who have attempted to copy the same elements. The dark and ominous nature of the film is extremely interesting, and the gradual build-up of tension is executed flawlessly. All of the actors do a splendid job, especially the very talented Jeremy Irons. So what went wrong? This film would have greatly benefited if the story had been even slightly less ludicrous. Unfortunately, it's not. Had it something to do with the real Kafka or his stories, then maybe this would have been one of the best films of the 90s. However, it's really impossible to take this movie seriously knowing that it ignored everything about the man for whom it was titled, and instead churned up one of the dumbest plots of the entire 20th century!
In conclusion, this could have been something, but instead is just a waste of time for anyone, except perhaps fans of Film Noir. Although, no doubt, they, too, will be insulted by the stupidity of the story. This does not even work as a parody of Film Noir. Shame, shame, shame on Steven for failing to read the script before he agreed to waste his time directing this pointless film.
It's difficult to put this massive (and quite unforgivable) flaw aside, but lets try our best. This is actually one of the best Film Noirs to come out of the last several decades. True, it borrows many ideas from Reed and Wells, but utilizes them very effectively, something that can not be said for the many thousands of other Film Noir directors who have attempted to copy the same elements. The dark and ominous nature of the film is extremely interesting, and the gradual build-up of tension is executed flawlessly. All of the actors do a splendid job, especially the very talented Jeremy Irons. So what went wrong? This film would have greatly benefited if the story had been even slightly less ludicrous. Unfortunately, it's not. Had it something to do with the real Kafka or his stories, then maybe this would have been one of the best films of the 90s. However, it's really impossible to take this movie seriously knowing that it ignored everything about the man for whom it was titled, and instead churned up one of the dumbest plots of the entire 20th century!
In conclusion, this could have been something, but instead is just a waste of time for anyone, except perhaps fans of Film Noir. Although, no doubt, they, too, will be insulted by the stupidity of the story. This does not even work as a parody of Film Noir. Shame, shame, shame on Steven for failing to read the script before he agreed to waste his time directing this pointless film.