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Woyzeck is a German drama film from 1979, directed by Werner Herzog and starring Klaus Kinski, Eva Mattes, and Wolfgang Reichmann. The movie is based on the play written by Georg Büchner in 1836, which was left incomplete by the author's death. Herzog's film follows the story of a poor soldier, Woyzeck, who struggles with his deteriorating mental health, his jealousy, and his relationship with his lover, Marie.

The protagonist, Woyzeck, is an outsider in his own society. He is poor, uneducated, and looks different from others due to his physical appearance. This makes him the subject of ridicule and abuse by his fellow soldiers and society as a whole. Woyzeck's loyalty to his captain is exploited by medical experiments, and he is humiliated when he finds Marie in the arms of another man. The pressure and the constant humiliation start taking a toll on Woyzeck's mental state, and he starts experiencing hallucinations and delusions. He delves deeper and deeper into madness until he reaches his breaking point.

Klaus Kinski delivers an outstanding performance as Woyzeck. He portrays the character's descent into madness with incredible depth and intensity. His physical transformation into the role, including the application of prosthetics, adds to the authenticity of his performance. Eva Mattes is also impressive as Marie, Woyzeck's lover. She brings a complex range of emotion to her character, switching between love, manipulation, and vulnerability, as the story demands.

Wolfgang Reichmann plays the role of the Captain, whose cruel experiments on Woyzeck highlight the class divide that exists in society. The Captain's indifference to Woyzeck's suffering highlights the exploitation of the poor by the rich and powerful. This theme is central to the movie's underlying message, which comments on the social inequalities and their impact on the human psyche.

The cinematography in Woyzeck is breathtaking. Herzog's use of color and light, especially during the scenes where Woyzeck is experiencing hallucinations, is masterful. The striking visuals combine with the eerie music to create a surreal atmosphere that perfectly captures Woyzeck's mental state.

The film's plot is complex and multi-layered. The story is not just about Woyzeck's descent into madness but also comments on the societal structures that contribute to an individual's mental state. The play was written in the 19th century, but the themes are still relevant today. The movie's critique of class inequality and social injustice is as relevant now as it was when the play was written.

The pacing of the movie is slow, but it is intentional. The slow pace helps to build tension and create a feeling of unease. The movie isn't afraid to linger on a shot or a scene, allowing the audience to absorb the emotions and atmosphere. The use of long takes and wide shots adds to the movie's deliberate pace and helps to draw the audience into the story.

In conclusion, Woyzeck is a haunting film that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled. Klaus Kinski's mesmerizing performance, the breathtaking cinematography, and the movie's commentary on societal structures make it a must-see. Herzog's adaptation of the play is faithful to its source material while also adding a distinct visual style that elevates the story. Woyzeck is a powerful movie that is not for the faint of heart but is a rewarding experience for those who are willing to take the journey.

Woyzeck is a 1979 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0.