Mephisto does not concentrate on the war itself, but more on how the citizens in Germany were affected by the dominating power of the Nazis. It is a film about a man named Hendrik Hofgen who has the desire to be a well known actor of theater all throughout Germany. He begins acting in Hamburg, but he doesn't get the fame he wants. Also in this specific theater, there is a man named Miklas who is a Nazi. At this time Hofgen does not want the Nazi's to come to power. He agrees with his wife Barbara that it would be a disaster for Germany. Clearly, Hofgen and Miklas do not get along. Hofgen says that either Miklas must leave Hamburg, or he will. This turns out well for Hofgen. He receives an opportunity to work with another actress named Dora Martin in Berlin. He accepts this offer even though it is for less money. He moves his wife and himself to Berlin. His career begins to flourish. He acts in one man shows and sings about the upper classes in Germany putting them in a negative light. This shows his opposition to the Nazi beliefs.
Then comes the role of Mephisto. Mephisto is a character in a play that Hofgen portrays. This boosts Hofgen's career and he quickly becomes one of the most well known actors throughout Germany. However, after this performance, the Nazi party is elected into office. Many of Hofgen's friends and family flee Germany traveling to France and the Unites States. His wife Barbara wanted Hofgen to go with her to France, but he refused because he does not have the same opportunities his wife has. He said that he needs the German language and culture because he doesn't know anything else. His wife has money and a good family and could benefit from a move. He also truly believes that the art of theater can overcome anything that occurs in Germany. He stayed in Berlin and worked with another actress name Lotte Lindenthal. The role of Mephisto comes back and Hofgen takes on this character for a second time in his career. While playing this character again, the Prime Minister attends one of his performances and asks to speak with Hofgen, as the entire theater watches the interaction.Hofgen begins to see the Prime Minister often by making many appearances at political gatherings. These gatherings become his act because he is putting on a front of agreeing with the Nazi beliefs, when he clearly stated in the beginning of the movie that he did not agree with their politics.
Time passes by and Hofgen is doing well for himself. He trades in his beliefs for success. To him, the applause at the end of show is all that truly matters. Many times throughout the movie he says that success is all he needs.
Because he appears to be staying true to his country, the Prime Minister offers him a deal he cannot refuse. He asks Hofgen to write his own biography. The Prime Minister also gives him the task of running the Prussian State Theater. This gives Hofgen the opportunity to run plays that he wants and how he wants.
Hofgen decides to put on Hamlet in his new theater. He wants to tear down the fourth wall between the actors on stage and the audience. He wants the audience to be an active participant in the production.Throughout this process, Hofgen meets a new woman and marries her. She became the lead actress in Hamlet opposite Hofgen.
Throughout the movie, Hofgen uses his relationship with the Prime Minister to help his friend Otto Ulrichs. Otto fled Germany directly after the Nazi's took power, but wanted to come back because it was all he knew. Otto asked Hofgen for help. After speaking with the Prime Minister, Otto was granted permission to safely live in Germany. However, this did not last. During the showings of Hamlet, Otto disappeared from his home. Hofgen goes to see the Prime Minister to ask him to find out what happened to his friend. The Prime Minister says that it is not any of his business what happened with Otto and tell him to stay out of it. Hofgen soon after found out that his friend had committed suicide.
At the end of the film, the Prime Minister asks to speak with Hofgen once again. Hofgen is shown the new arena for theater. It is very large and seats a large amount of people. The Prime Minister tells Hofgen to go down into the theater to get a feel for it. Then many spotlights are put upon him. The very last phrase in the movie is said by Hofgen; "What do they want from me, I am only an actor."
The central issue in this movie is that of beliefs and success. Would you give up what you truly believed in just for success like Hendrik Hofgen? To me it doesn't seem worth it. He may have had success, but he lost his first wife and many friends when they left Germany. I would rather be happy with my family and friends, than only have happiness through success.
Additional Information about Mephsito:
http://www.filmreference.com/Films-Ma-Me/Mephisto.html - Includes names of producers and cast along with other articles about the movie. Concentrates more on political aspects of the film.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082736/ - Information about cast, Trivia, and movie details.
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