Story perspectives

Mephisto Revisited: Szabó Reflects on Ambition and Evil

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

István Szabó, the Hungarian director, reflects on Mephisto, winner of the Best International Feature at the 1982 Academy Awards.
The film, based on Gustaf Gründgens, explores ambition and complicity with evil during Nazi rise.
Mephisto faded from public view and was re-released this December.
Szabó says Central European history shapes his work and notes filmmaking challenges.
He remains hopeful for Hungarian cinema and cites recent successes in literature and film.

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Story summary

István Szabó, the Hungarian director, reflects on Mephisto, winner of the Best International Feature at the 1982 Academy Awards.
The film, based on Gustaf Gründgens, explores ambition and complicity with evil during Nazi rise.
Mephisto faded from public view and was re-released this December.
Szabó says Central European history shapes his work and notes filmmaking challenges.
He remains hopeful for Hungarian cinema and cites recent successes in literature and film.