I will not give you all the English-language titles listed here on IMDb for the German 1951 film "Der Untertan". If you do the maths, this film was made 65 years ago and Germany already existed as FRG and GDR. These 105 minutes here come from East Germany and are still among the most known the country has come up with in terms of movies. It is a black-and-white film, but of course already has sound. Writer and director is Wolfgang Staudte and he adapted Heinrich Mann's novel together with his father Fritz into this film. Unfortunately, I cannot say it was particularly good watch. Lead actor Werner Peters plays his part well though and you could see that he was very experienced indeed. I came across him recently in the Oscar-nominated "Nachts, wenn der Teufel kam", for which he won a German Film Award and he appeared in many films in the 1950s and 1960s that are still well-known today.
As for "Der Untertan", I guess the main reason I was not too impressed was the monotonous script by father and son Staudte. Or maybe it was also Mann's fault. I have not read his famous "Der Untertan", but I think that it should never be required to read a book in order to appreciate a movie. It does help for sure in understanding the material and plot, but I am off the opinion that it should never be essential. There were some political references in here, but none got me hooked really. Ultimately the story is about a man who follows one model to perfection: Suck up to everybody above you. Look down arrogantly on everybody below you. And he became so obsessed in this pattern that he forgot to honor everything that is dear to him. Or was his wife really dear to him or did he just marry because it fit the emperor's and society's way of thinking? Decide for yourself. The ruins in the end are very telling.
And let us be honest: These people exist today as well, actually far too many of them who follow this concept. And it is pretty despicable. I would not call this film here despicable, but I cannot call it a fulfilling watch either. Not recommended.
As for "Der Untertan", I guess the main reason I was not too impressed was the monotonous script by father and son Staudte. Or maybe it was also Mann's fault. I have not read his famous "Der Untertan", but I think that it should never be required to read a book in order to appreciate a movie. It does help for sure in understanding the material and plot, but I am off the opinion that it should never be essential. There were some political references in here, but none got me hooked really. Ultimately the story is about a man who follows one model to perfection: Suck up to everybody above you. Look down arrogantly on everybody below you. And he became so obsessed in this pattern that he forgot to honor everything that is dear to him. Or was his wife really dear to him or did he just marry because it fit the emperor's and society's way of thinking? Decide for yourself. The ruins in the end are very telling.
And let us be honest: These people exist today as well, actually far too many of them who follow this concept. And it is pretty despicable. I would not call this film here despicable, but I cannot call it a fulfilling watch either. Not recommended.