MEFISTO (Mefisztó) with English surtitles

“You go off on the system and the power in your interviews. But your plays represent the same world, they are part of the same world, the one you would like to get rid of so bad. Your art paved the way for politics. Your meaningless, boot licking art, that didn’t want to, didn’t dare to talk about something, anything. Just atmospheres nuances, and silly overthought professionalism. The strongest criticism was a sweet little allusion, that you winked at your audience with. And everyone was content that they did something. How could the world change, if your theatres don’t change? If you don’t dare to make culture new and free, and you keep on chilling in the lukewarmth of servant’s art. But who wants change here? It’s enough if our position stay’s comfortable and no one forces us to think of the problems.

There are no problems. Everything is all right, baby!

But where am I in all this? Same place. It hurts me as well when the tables turn.

I sold my soul, I’m dirty, I’m a soulless opportunist. An artist. Pure as snow. Don’t hurt me.”

*The original novel, a thinly disguised portrait of German actor Gustaf Gründgens, adapts the Mephistopheles/Dr Faustus theme by having the main character, Hendrik Höfgen, abandon his conscience and continue to act and ingratiate himself with the Nazi Party to keep and improve his job and social position. *

Not suitable for children under 18.

The running time is 110 minutes.