Hanussen is a 1988 Hungarian film directed by István Szabó, centered around the life of Erik Jan Hanussen. Starring Klaus Maria Brandauer, the German-language film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film.[1] It was also featured at the 1988 Cannes Film Festival.[2]

Hanussen
Film poster
Directed byIstván Szabó
Written byPéter Dobai
István Szabó
Produced byArtur Brauner
Judit Sugár
Starring
CinematographyLajos Koltai
Edited byZsuzsa Csákány
Brigitta Kajdácsi
Bettina Rekuc
Éva Szentandrási
Music byGyörgy Vukán
Release date
  • 6 October 1988 (1988-10-06)
Running time
140 minutes
CountriesHungary, West Germany, Austria
LanguagesHungarian, German
Budget$59,701
Box office$82,635

Plot

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During World War I, Klaus Schneider, a train conductor, is hospitalized for head injuries. His doctor, Dr. Bettelheim, discovers Schneider's clairvoyant abilities. Post-war, he reconnects with Captain Nowotny, who becomes his advisor. Schneider, now known as Erik Jan Hanussen, becomes a successful variety star after Nowotny's guidance. He gains fame for predicting a cruise ship's sinking but faces arrest and trial for fraud. However, he's acquitted after showcasing his abilities in court.

In Berlin, where he resides with his girlfriend Valery (Wally) and Nowotny, he socializes with the elite. Despite his earlier claims of being apolitical, he predicts Adolf Hitler's rise to Chancellor, causing tension with Nowotny and Wally. When he foresees the Reichstag fire, the Nazis brand him a traitor, leading to his murder by the SA on March 24-25, 1933, likely influenced by his Jewish background.

Cast

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Awards

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Year Award Event Recipient Category Result
1988 Golden Palm Cannes Film Festival István Szabó Nominated

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "The 61st Academy Awards (1989) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Retrieved 20 August 2015.
  2. ^ "Festival de Cannes: Hanussen". festival-cannes.com. Retrieved 2009-07-26.
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