Steppenwolf Movie Review

Steppenwolf is a visually striking and disturbing film, but admirers of Herman Hesse (1877–1962) will probably loathe it; it has a bubble gum quality that undercuts its impact. Film novice Fred Haines jazzes up his first movie with stylistic tricks, animation, and special effects, in an effort to come to terms with Hesse's 1927 novel. Haines runs the risk of becoming absurd, and he loses more often than not. Magnifique Dominique Sanda's work as Hermine here is both ethereal and complex, but Max von Sydow seems merely pathetic as Herr Haller. Occasionally amusing (especially in the 25-minute Magic Theatre sequence), the overall impact is unsatisfying.

1974 (PG) 105m/C SI Max von Sydow, Dominique Sanda, Pierre Clementi, Carla Rominelli, Roy Bosier; D: Fred Haines; W: Fred Haines; C: Tomislav Pinter; M: George Gruntz. VHS, LV