If AI did not write this film, then we need more AI in film.
I feel confident, however, AI had a hand in this empty, soulless picture, which feels like a Marvel flick but doesn’t even meet that low bar. The movie looks good, moves relatively well, and the actors are for the most part fine. But the script is such predictable slop and the presentation so dumbed down, all things equal, I have concluded it must have come from an algorithm. Writer/director James Vanderbilt has a few Screams and Spidermans under his belt, but, inexplicably, co-wrote Zodiac, so color me perplexed.
The picture also offers a glimpse as to what the future holds for historical films. Not a single bit of this recitation of the Nuremberg trial rings true. Sure, it technically comports with some of the facts, but the feel is all “now.” Viewers can glean just enough information to get a sense as to historical stakes (Nazis bad, Herman Göring bad but sneakily charming), but the picture never nears informative or elucidating.
The Nazis have lost the war, and in an over-long lead-up, we learn it is critical they be placed on trial through Supreme Court Justice Robert Jackson (Michael Shannon), who spars over the wisdom and efficacy of such a trial with his wife via witty banter. When the trial becomes threatened, it is Jackson who is detailed to the Vatican to enlist the Pope’s blessing, which he receives by blackmailing the Church as an arguable co-conspirator, a complete fabrication. But a lie that serves an exchange in keeping with this simplistic rendition. Pope cowed. Full steam ahead.
Russell Crowe plays Göring, the biggest fish in the dock. He must go to toe-to-toe with army psychologist Rami Malek, a cynical practitioner so full of himself his eyes bug out.
Okay. Cheap shot.
The men bond in verbal exchanges that are dull and unilluminating. One gets the sense Crowe got the role because he’s heavy and imposing. He competently delivers the muck given him. As for Malek, his casting is a mystery. He should not receive any further film roles unless in Bohemian Rhapsody II or movies where he plays offbeat or weirdo. When Malek engages with Göring’s young daughter, as he passes letters between father and family, he almost takes on the mien of a molester. Peter Lorre as William Holden.
Malek gets deeper into Göring’s psyche while acting as Jackson’s mole and stoolie, which is incongruent, given all of Jackson’s testaments to fairness. Malek also intercedes on behalf of Göring‘s family when they are arrested. Depressed, he takes refuge in the arms of a buxom reporter and spills. She prints a front page article betraying him and leading to his ouster from the Army.
Most of these plot points are either fabrications or distortions. In fact, the Malek character was promoted and back in the U.S. by the time Göring took the witness stand. In the film, Malek is at the trial and before so, he rushes in to see Jackson and offer his book of notes entitled, How to Get Herman Göring.
The big day arrives.
The Nazis and lawyers don their outfits for legal battle.
Göring does pushups in full regalia and walks out amongst cheers from other caged Nazis. Like in Gladiator.
Cue AI dialogue.
“In seven hours, the whole world will be focused on this room. This is it. This is everything.”
“Let’s finish this war.”
“This is your day. You’re ready.”
“Bury him.”
“He’s got him.”
While watching this drivel with my family, we started a game. A character would say something, and then we would pause the movie, and take a stab at what would be said in response. Our success rate was shockingly and depressingly high.
Example. The interpreter who works with Malek offers him a cigarette, and when Malek notes that the interpreter does not smoke, he explains he carries cigarettes to curry favor with officers. The interpreter then further explains that perhaps, at the end of the war, he will have a cigarette. Malek responds, “the war has ended.” There is a silence.
The movie was paused. Bets were placed on whether this insipid character would have his cigarette at the moment of conviction of the Nazis.
EXT. PALACE OF JUSTICE – NIGHT
Howie stands outside. Silence save for the crickets. He pulls out the pack of cigarettes. Takes one out. Puts it in his mouth. Goes to light it. Hands shaking…From inside, we hear the gallows drop again. Another man down. Howie stands there. Pulls the cigarette from his mouth unlit and tosses it away.
There is a great deal of this hackneyed bullshit throughout the flick.
Thankfully, it eventually ends. Malek, who writes a book about the experience, is portrayed as a haunted soul, desperately trying to warn the world that the good German is in all of us. And then, he kills himself, just like Göring.
Sans the push-ups.
Streaming.
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