Hanussen (1988) Plot Summary Explained

Release, runtime and language

1988 · 140 mins · Hungarian

Directed by

István Szabó

Starring

Erland Josephson, György Cserhalmi, Péter Andorai, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Ewa Błaszczyk, Grażyna Szapołowska

After being wounded in World War I, Austrian veteran Klaus Schneider is treated by Dr. Emil Bettleheim, who uncovers his extraordinary empathy and clairvoyance. Adopting the stage name Erik Jan Hanussen, he becomes a celebrated hypnotist and seer in post‑war Berlin. His unflinching predictions of the Nazis’ ascent and brutality draw the regime’s attention, placing him in a perilous clash between fame and the rising tide of fascism.