Jedermann (1983)
A landmark Austrian drama bringing Hugo von Hofmannsthal's timeless morality play to the screen with a stellar cast.
Jedermann - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1983
- Directed by: C. Rainer Ecke
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Original Language: German
- Spoken Languages: German
- Production Countries: Austria
Jedermann - Plot
Drama based on Hugo von Hofmannsthal's work.
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Jedermann - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- C. Rainer Ecke
Main Cast
- Klaus Maria Brandauer
- Marthe Keller
- Will Quadflieg
- Helmuth Lohner
- Romuald Pekny
- Susi Nicoletti
- Rudolf Wessely
- Ida Krottendorf
- Alfred Böhm
- Hans Clarin
Jedermann - FAQs
What is Jedermann (1983) about?
Jedermann follows Everyman, a wealthy man suddenly confronted by Death and forced to reckon with his life's choices. Based on Hugo von Hofmannsthal's celebrated morality play, the story explores themes of wealth, faith, and redemption, asking who among friends, family, and possessions will accompany a soul into the afterlife.
What is the source material for Jedermann?
The film adapts Hugo von Hofmannsthal's Jedermann, a morality play first performed in 1911 and itself inspired by the medieval English play Everyman. Hofmannsthal's version became iconic through its annual outdoor performances at the Salzburg Festival, making it one of Austria's most enduring theatrical traditions.
Who plays the lead role in Jedermann?
Klaus Maria Brandauer takes on the title role of Jedermann (Everyman). Brandauer was one of Austria's most celebrated stage and screen actors, widely known internationally for Mephisto (1981) and the James Bond film Never Say Never Again (1983), bringing tremendous gravitas to this demanding role.
Who are the main actors in Jedermann?
The cast is truly remarkable. Klaus Maria Brandauer leads as Jedermann, with Marthe Keller as his beloved Buhlschaft, Will Quadflieg as God, and Helmuth Lohner as the Devil. Romuald Pekny portrays Death, while Susi Nicoletti, Rudolf Wessely, Ida Krottendorf, Alfred Böhm, and Hans Clarin round out the ensemble.
What does the character of Death represent in Jedermann?
Death in Jedermann is not merely an end but a moral reckoning. When Death arrives to summon Everyman, it triggers the central dramatic question: who or what truly matters in life? Wealth, friends, and family all abandon him, leaving only Good Deeds to accompany him — a powerful allegory about spiritual accountability.
Who directed the 1983 film Jedermann?
C. Rainer Ecke directed this 1983 Austrian production. The film brought Hofmannsthal's celebrated morality play to the screen with a distinguished cast, preserving the theatrical and allegorical spirit of a work that has been performed at the Salzburg Festival almost every year since 1920.
Is Jedermann (1983) a German-language film?
Yes, Jedermann is performed entirely in German, staying true to Hofmannsthal's original Austrian text. This makes it a particularly authentic rendition of the play, and the German dialogue carries the poetic, archaic cadences that give the morality tale its distinctive weight and ceremonial atmosphere.
Are there similar films worth watching after Jedermann?
If Jedermann resonates with you, consider The German Lesson (2019), a powerful German-language drama exploring moral duty and artistic freedom. Paula (2016) and Northanger Abbey (2007) also offer compelling literary adaptations. For more European dramatic storytelling, Sergio (2020) and What Maisie Knew (2013) are thoughtful choices.
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