Watch Faust

Faust is a 2011 film directed by Alexander Sokurov, known for his unique visual style and exploration of philosophical themes. The movie is based on the classic German legend of Faust, a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. In this interpretation, Faust is played by Johannes Zeiler, a regular collaborator with Sokurov, who embodies the character's intellectual curiosity and moral ambiguity. The story takes place in a bleak, impoverished town in 19th century Germany, where Faust is struggling to find purpose in his life. He spends his days studying books and experimenting with alchemy, searching for the ultimate truth.

One day, he encounters a strange, mysterious figure named Mauricius (Anton Adasinsky), who leads him on a journey of temptation and corruption. Mauricius is clearly meant to represent the devil, and Adasinsky's performance is both sinister and playful, emphasizing the character's seductive power. He offers Faust the chance to experience all the pleasures of the world, but warns him that there is a price to be paid.

Along the way, Faust meets a beautiful young woman named Margarete (Isolda Dychauk), who becomes the object of his desire. Margarete is innocent and pure, and represents the possibility of redemption for Faust. However, she is also pursued by other men, including a brutish soldier named Valentine (Georg Friedrich), who threatens her safety.

As the story unfolds, Faust must confront his own inner demons and make difficult choices about his destiny. The film is shot in Sokurov's trademark style, with distorted angles, sepia tones, and surreal imagery that create a dreamlike atmosphere. The camera lingers on small details, like the gnarled roots of trees or the faces of animals, and the natural world is depicted as both beautiful and grotesque.

The movie also explores larger themes about the nature of humanity and the search for meaning in a world that can seem indifferent and cruel. Faust is a complex character who embodies both the best and worst aspects of humanity, and the film asks the viewer to confront their own values and beliefs through his journey.

Overall, Faust is a visually stunning and intellectually challenging film that rewards close attention and contemplation. It is a work of art that reminds us of the power of cinema to explore the complexities of the human experience.

Faust is a 2011 fantasy movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 65.