“Nuremberg” Film Review: A Powerful Premise Tarnished by Hollywood Convention
by Julia Evans, World-Today-News.com - November 7, 2023
“Nuremberg,” the new drama from director James Vanderbilt, arrives with a weighty past backdrop and a compelling central premise: the psychological assessment of top Nazi officials following World War II. While the film boasts strong performances from Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, it ultimately struggles to rise above a familiar, and at times, overly-polished Hollywood treatment of a profoundly serious subject.
The film centers on Douglas Kelley (Malek), a U.S. Army psychiatrist tasked with evaluating the mental state of high-ranking Nazi prisoners awaiting trial at Nuremberg. Among them is Hermann Göring (Crowe), Hitler’s designated successor, whose opioid addiction quickly becomes a focal point of Kelley’s inquiry. Adapted from Jack El-Hai’s 2013 book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist, the narrative promises a deep dive into the minds of evil, and the ethical complexities of understanding – not excusing - those responsible for unimaginable atrocities.
Vanderbilt wisely incorporates actual archival footage from Nazi concentration camps midway through the film. This sequence is undeniably the most impactful, forcing both the characters and the audience to confront the horrific reality of the Holocaust.It’s a stark reminder of the stakes involved in the Nuremberg proceedings and underscores the vital need for accountability.
Unfortunately, the film doesn’t consistently maintain this level of raw emotional power. Too often, the narrative relies on predictable tropes – a charming psychiatrist, a mysterious journalist (Lydia Peckham), and a somewhat contrived air of intellectual superiority surrounding Kelley. Malek delivers a confident performance, but the character feels more like a clever procedural investigator than a man grappling with the moral weight of his task.
Crowe, though, is a standout. He embodies Göring with a chilling blend of arrogance and vulnerability, hinting at the complex psychology beneath the surface of a monstrous figure. John Slattery provides solid support as Colonel Burton C. Andrus, the skeptical prison commander.
“Nuremberg” is a watchable film, and it’s exploration of the psychological dimensions of the Nazi leadership is intriguing. However, it ultimately feels like a missed opportunity. Sixty-four years after stanley Kramer’s seminal “Judgment at Nuremberg,” this new iteration lacks the same gravitas and nuance, opting instead for a more conventional, and ultimately less satisfying, cinematic experience.
Key takeaways:
* Strong Performances: Rami Malek and Russell Crowe deliver compelling performances.
* Powerful Archival Footage: The inclusion of actual concentration camp footage is deeply affecting.
* Missed Potential: The film relies too heavily on Hollywood conventions, diminishing its impact.
* Historical importance: The film explores a fascinating, and often overlooked, aspect of the Nuremberg trials.
Rating: 3/5 Stars
Keywords: Nuremberg Trials, Rami Malek, Russell Crowe, World War II, Holocaust, Historical Drama, Film Review, Movie Review, James Vanderbilt, Nazi Germany, Hermann Göring, Douglas Kelley.
