Russell Crowe and Rami Malek Clash in Gripping Nazi Trial Drama ‘Nuremberg’
In a unique twist on historical drama, “Nuremberg” brings the lesser-known story of U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley to the forefront. Directed and written by James Vanderbilt, the film delves into Kelley’s role in evaluating captured Nazi leaders after World War II.
Film Overview
Rami Malek stars as Douglas Kelley, portraying him as an ambitious figure eager to document his experiences with notorious war criminals. Kelley’s assignment was not only to assess their mental fitness for trial but also to ensure their survival.
Key Characters
- Rami Malek as Douglas Kelley
- Russell Crowe as Hermann Goering, the highest-ranking Nazi official still alive
- Michael Shannon as Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson
- Richard E. Grant as Sir David Maxwell-Fyfe
- John Slattery as the commandant of Nuremberg prison
- Colin Hanks as Gustave Gilbert, another psychiatrist
- Leo Woodall as a German-speaking U.S. officer
Plot Insights
The film focuses on Kelley’s interactions with Goering, exploring the moral complexities of their conversations. Their dialogues touch on themes of fatherhood and greatness but lack the intensity expected from such pivotal figures in history.
Vanderbilt also highlights the broader context of the Nuremberg Trials, depicting how these landmark proceedings were established. Justice Jackson, portrayed as a determined leader, works tirelessly to build a case against the prominent Nazi leaders.
Film’s Historical Context
At its core, “Nuremberg” addresses the issue of justice served by the victors. While it attempts to portray the grim realities of the trials, the film sometimes defaults to conventional courtroom drama techniques, which may detract from its deeper message.
Critical Reception
This production, lasting 148 minutes, has received mixed reviews. Critiques suggest that while it raises essential questions about morality and justice, it sometimes falls back on clichés typical of the genre.
The film does convey several poignant moments, notably a late revelation about a German Jewish emigre that inspires Kelley to take decisive action. Yet, many viewers might find the most powerful sequences to be archival footage shown within the courtroom.
Concluding Thoughts
“Nuremberg,” a release from Sony Pictures Classics, opens in theaters on Friday. It is rated PG-13 due to its depiction of the Holocaust, some language, and other disturbing content. Though it strives to engage audiences in crucial discussions about history and morality, it also faces the challenge of maintaining viewer interest through its lengthy runtime.
