The Institute Benjamenta (1995)
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100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
87% of users liked it
(1,036 ratings)
From the directing team of identical twin brothers Timothy Quay and Stephen Quay, Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life focuses on the experiences of Jakob Von Gunten (Mark Rylance), who has come to the titular institute to train to become a manservant. Amidst a series of… More From the directing team of identical twin brothers Timothy Quay and Stephen Quay, Institute Benjamenta, or This Dream People Call Human Life focuses on the experiences of Jakob Von Gunten (Mark Rylance), who has come to the titular institute to train to become a manservant. Amidst a series of unorthodox lessons under the instruction of brother and sister Johannes Benjamenta (Gottfried John) and Lisa Benjamenta (Alice Krige), Jakob becomes attracted to Lisa and she to him. As the magnetism between the two of them intensifies, Lisa's health declines more and more, leading Johannes to question Jakob's influence on her. The screenplay was adapted from the novel Jakob von Gunten by Robert Walser. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- Directed By
- Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay
- Written By
- Stephen Quay, Timothy Quay, Alan Passes
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Art House & International, Special Interest
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 28, 1996 Wide
- On DVD
- Aug 1, 2000
Critic Reviews
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Anton Bitel, Eye for Film
an abstract, uncanny experience which, like any good servant, is far too tactful just to blurt out its masters' secrets.
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Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
A beautiful, complex work that's more easily enjoyed in hindsight.
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Phil Hall, Wired
A one-of-a-kind education in creative filmmaking.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
The film sets a nightmarish tone.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Mark Rylance
as Jakob von Gunten
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Alice Krige
as Lisa Benjamenta
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Gottfried John
as Johannes Benjamenta
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Daniel Smith
as Kraus
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Joseph Alessi
as Pepino
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Cesar Sarachu
as Inigo
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Jonathan Stone
as Hebling
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Peter Lovstrom
as Jörgenson, Jrgenson, Jrgenson
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Uri Roodner
as Schilinski
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Peter Whifield
as Null
- Peter Whitfield
