Watch Beyond Good and Evil

Beyond Good and Evil is a French-Italian-German co-production historical drama film from 1977, directed by Liliana Cavani, and based on the philosophical work of Friedrich Nietzsche. The film stars Dominique Sanda, Erland Josephson, and Robert Powell as the main characters, and it follows the story of their intertwining relationships and desires from before World War I.

At the beginning of the movie, we are introduced to the main protagonist, a cultured and aristocratic woman named Ida (played by Dominique Sanda) who is living in a small town in Germany. She is married to a dull-witted and abusive husband, but she soon meets the free-spirited and charismatic author Friedrich Nietzsche (played by Trevor Howard), with whom she starts a passionate and intellectual relationship. Nietzsche's provocative ideas about truth, morality, and rebellion awaken Ida's long-repressed desires and make her question the traditional gender roles and societal conventions.

Ida soon becomes involved with another man, called Paul (played by Erland Josephson), a melancholic and cynical musician who is haunted by the memory of his deceased wife. Paul is fascinated by Ida's beauty, intelligence, and rebellion, and they soon begin a tumultuous and unstable romantic relationship. Meanwhile, Nietzsche's health and mental stability are declining rapidly, and Ida is torn between her loyalty to him and her growing love for Paul.

The movie explores complex themes such as love, power, truth, and morality, and it portrays a world in which traditional values and hierarchies are collapsing, and new ideas and ideologies are emerging. The film's tone is melancholic and dream-like, and its visual style is both elegant and eccentric. The characters are portrayed as enigmatic and unpredictable, and their conflicts and desires are expressed through dialogues that are at times dense and philosophical, and at times poetic and surreal.

Beyond Good and Evil is a challenging and thought-provoking film, which requires patience and attention from the viewer. It delves into the darkest corners of human psychology and exposes the contradictions and complexities of modernity. It is a movie that rewards repeated viewings and invites interpretation and discussion.

The performances of the cast are excellent, particularly Dominique Sanda, who brings a multifaceted and nuanced portrayal of Ida's character. She conveys both her vulnerability and her strength, her sensuality and her intelligence, making her a captivating and unforgettable figure. Erland Josephson's portrayal of Paul is also remarkable, as he captures his character's ambiguity and complexity with subtlety and grace. Trevor Howard's portrayal of Nietzsche is brief but powerful, and he manages to convey the philosopher's intensity and charisma.

The cinematography of the film is also noteworthy, as it creates a striking balance between the decadent and the poetic. The landscapes and interiors are portrayed with a vivid and sensual attention to detail, and the use of lights and shadows creates a mesmerizing and unsettling atmosphere. The music of the film, composed by Pino Donaggio, is also evocative and haunting, adding to the film's emotional resonance.

In conclusion, Beyond Good and Evil is a film of rare beauty and intelligence, which offers a challenging and profound reflection on human nature and society. It is a movie that stands the test of time and deserves to be rediscovered by new generations of cinephiles.