This film adaptation of Hermann Hesse’s Steppenwolf was released in 1974. It was originally done in English. Before the movie begins, there is a note stating that this version includes scenes not available in the German version. Some of the scenes are in English with German subtitles. Unfortunately I must note that the German dubbing throughout the film is not fitting. Between the unnatural narrative style and the unnatural pauses put in either as an attempt to match the lip movement or a failed attempt at making the characters sound foreign, the movie is actually a little difficult to watch.
Helen Hesse plays Frau Hefte. She appears to be a little-known German actress. Max von Sydow, playing Harry Haller, still acts today. He was born in Sweden and seems to act in several different countries. He was recently on the Simpsons and the Game of Thrones. In fact, going through his credits, I’m happy to note I’ve seen him in many films, dating back to the 60s. I do enjoy that the actors chosen for this film are very European – French, German, Swedish, Italian, etc.
Some of the film in animated form, narrated in very quick German. Many of the images are a little trippy. Think Yellow Submarine with a more pencil-drawn animation style. There are definitely some trippy live action scenes as well, but then again, the book is pretty trippy too.
Overall, I’m happy I saw this film, but I don’t feel the need to see it again and am not sure I could subject my students to it even if it weren’t rated R.