Confessions of Thomas Mann, Confidence Man
6.0
A feature film that traces the 50-year journey behind Confessions of Felix Krull, revealing the writer’s hidden struggle with his homosexuality. Though a literary superstar with a polished, upper-class façade and a married life with six children, Mann’s diaries expose an insecure man suppressing deep desires. The film follows Mann’s creative and personal exile—from Eltville to Paris and Lisbon—using archival letters and diary entries alongside dramatized scenes. It blurs the lines between Mann and his seductive alter ego Felix Krull, both masters of deception navigating identity, longing, and survival amid exile and political upheaval. This hybrid documentary unveils the fragile, often hidden man behind the myth.
Where to watch
Not streaming anywhere
Not on any streaming service in United States, and not available to rent.
Your rating
Your review
Cast
2 people
André Schäfer Director · Hartmut Kasper Writer Jascha Hannover Writer
First release October 30, 2024 · Produced in Germany · Original title Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Thomas Mann
Production
Florianfilm
Production
Germany
Produced in
Languages
Original title
Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Thomas Mann
Original language
German
Spoken on screen
German
Release dates
Germany · October 30, 2024
Premiere · Biberacher Filmfestspiele
Germany · November 7, 2024
Theatrical
No release date listed for United States.
France
May 27, 2025 · TV · ARTE (La Lucarne)
More from André Schäfer
Other films they directed, best known first.
If you liked Confessions of Thomas Mann, Confidence Man
Picks that share its genres, themes, cast and crew.
Omar Sharif: Citizen of the World
Movie · 2020
The Books He Didn't Burn
Movie · 2023
The Wikipedia Promise
Movie · 2021
Buddenbrooks - Thomas Mann und Lübeck
Movie · 2025
Russisch Roulette: Dostojewski und die Sehnsucht nach dem Westen
Movie · 2022
The Magic Mountain: Thomas Mann's Emblematic Novel
Movie · 2024