The Trial

Directed by Orson Welles

Screenplay by Orson Welles, based on The Trial by Franz Kafka

Starring Anthony Perkins, Orson Welles, Jeanne Moreau, Romy Schneider, Akim Tamiroff, and Elsa Martinelli

Original release date Dec. 22, 1962 (France)

There have been at least three film adaptations of The Trial. I’ve only seen the one by Orson Welles. But it was great – well worth watching in conjunction with reading the book.

What I especially liked about it:

* The mood, which is attributable to Welles and Edmond Richard (the cinematographer).

* The music by Jean Ledrut and Tomaso Albinoni.

* The fact that Josef K, the protagonist, is played by a young and visually arresting Anthony Perkins.

You can watch the trailer here.