Luke
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CibbuanoJudgment at Nuremberg
December 13th 2006 06:12
Judgment at Nuremberg (1961)
Coming just over ten years after the real Nuremberg Trials that took place at the end of World War II (for perspective's sake, that's ten years wait from now for a film about the end of the current 'War' in Iraq), 'Judgment at Nuremberg' is a more-than-timely film that combines a fine cast and an expertly-constructed court-room setting with the increasingly relevant themes of complicity and the politics of war.
Let's face it, this film probably could not have been made any earlier than 1961. Hollywood was finally shaking off it's shackles of constrictive censorship, and some of the subjects and attitudes broached by this film - whilst by no means gratuitous or outside the realms of decency - were probably less than palatable to the public at large. A lot of what the film has to say are the kinds of things that a lot of people, especially in a post-war environment, probably don't want to hear. It's frank depiction of the horrors of the holocaust were also a landmark for mainstream cinema, and had this film been released today it would probably win more than two Academy Awards. Then again, in light of the Bush administration's recent excursions to the middle east, it might still remain too controversial! As it stands, this 45 year old film is still very much un-dated - surprisingly so for an American film made at the end of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
The cast is all talent. Spencer Tracy does his thing so effortlessly in a role that could otherwise have been window-dressing, and manages to bring a great degree of weight and importance to his side of the court room bench as Chief Judge Dan Haywood. In fact, it's Tracy's battle with the bigger picture throughout the film that drives home some of the more bitter aspects of justice and war, and the acting legend goes a long way to bringing gravitas to the film in a way that keeps it's integrity and sincerity wholly intact. (As opposed to cheapening it, as is the effect many an Oscar-baiting 'important' film achieves these days with their attempts at employing 'big, serious' acting).
The rest of the cast is equally clued in... Maximilian Schell is fantastic as the defending lawyer, and it's testement to his abilities that he managed to win the Best Actor Oscar despite being billed sixth and inhabiting an otherwise thankless and subject-intensive role. Burt Lancaster shines in an unusual role as the main Nazi war criminal, Richard Widmark brings the all-American toughness, and Marlene Dietrich and Judy Garland are also suitably impressive in what would be, for both of them, one of their last films.
But if I had to single one actor above the rest, it would be Montgomery Clift... I barely recognised him. I don't know if it's because this might be the only post-accident film of his career that I've seen, or whether it was because his performance was so insane and scattered for the few brief moments he appeared on screen, but he really left an impression on me here. He got a Best Supporting Actor nomination for his troubles here, though unfortunately it would be the last nomination of his career.
Anyway, this is a film with a lot to say and it has a huge pedigree in talent. Sadly, a lot of what it says about the idea of war crimes, world politics, the complicity of citizens in war, and the increasing irrelevance of justice, still hold importance in today's current climate. I was really wrapped up completely in this film when I saw it, and a clearer, higher profile and more engrossing film on the subject probably hasn't been made.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Agree wholeheartedly that Monty shines brightest in this post accident role....that beautiful face was never the same.
Well written, expertly directed and handle with the seriousness that the subject demands without getting preachy...
Good one Luke
Comment by Luke
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