“Nuremberg” Delivers a Riveting Psychological Portrait of Justice and Accountability
The new film “Nuremberg” offers a compelling and unsettling look at the complex aftermath of World War II, focusing not on the courtroom drama of the Nuremberg Trials themselves, but on the crucial groundwork laid before the prosecution of Nazi leaders began. Director James Vanderbilt crafts a riveting historical account, inspired by Jack El-Hai’s 2013 book “The Nazi and the Psychiatrist,” that resonates with urgent relevance today.
The Nuremberg Trials, a joint Allied effort following the collapse of the Third Reich and the death of Adolf Hitler, aimed to not only convict high-ranking Nazis but also to present irrefutable evidence of their atrocities and deter future generations from repeating such horrors. As one observer noted, the trials were intended to demonstrate “what man can do,” echoing the powerful quote from R.G. Collingwood that concludes the film: “The only clue to what man can do is what man has done.”
At the center of the narrative stands Hermann Göring, Hitler’s second-in-command, portrayed with chilling brilliance by Russell Crowe. Described as highly intelligent, fiercely loyal, and profoundly narcissistic, Göring’s expansion from Supreme Commander of the German Air Force to one of Hitler’s most trusted officers is a testament to his cunning and ambition. The film expertly showcases how his arrogance both served and ultimately undermined him during the trials.
The story unfolds primarily in 1945 and 1946, beginning with Göring’s surrender to American troops in Austria. He is subsequently held at the Grand Hotel Mondorf in Luxembourg, transformed into a secret prison for Nazi war criminals. Simultaneously, the Allies grapple with the monumental task of establishing a framework for accountability. After considerable debate, they settle on an international tribunal to be held at the reconstructed Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, Germany.
Associate Justice Robert H. Jackson (Michael Shannon), steadfast yet harboring insecurities, is tasked with leading the U.S. prosecution team, joined by the pragmatic British prosecutor David Maxwell Fyfe (Richard E. Grant). As they navigate logistical challenges, legal precedents, and untested case law, U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) receives a uniquely challenging assignment: to evaluate Göring and his fellow prisoners.
Much of the film’s tension stems from the intricate psychological interplay between Kelley and Göring. Kelley intends to gain Göring’s trust to exploit his overconfidence, hoping to gather valuable insights for his superiors and, perhaps, material for a future book. However, he underestimates Göring’s manipulative abilities, finding himself drawn into a dangerous game where empathy is weaponized. This dynamic is a “mesmerizing psychological chess match,” fueled by the exceptional performances of Crowe and Malek.
The supporting cast adds depth and nuance to the narrative. Leo Woodall delivers a particularly memorable performance as Sgt. Howie Triest, a young American translator with a poignant connection to Germany. John Slattery embodies the stern authority of Colonel Burton C. Andrus, the commandant of the Nuremberg Prison, while Lotte Verbeek portrays an unexpected humanity in Göring’s wife, Emmy.
The recreation of the palace courtroom is stunning, building anticipation and amplifying the emotional impact of the trial sequence. The discomfort and tension are palpable as Göring and his co-defendants are brought before the tribunal. However, the most harrowing moments arrive with the inclusion of footage from inside the concentration camps – the very same footage presented during the actual trials, leaving an indelible mark on viewers.
“Nuremberg” doesn’t shy away from the complexities of seeking justice in the wake of unimaginable evil. While the film could perhaps have delved deeper into certain aspects of the historical context, its perspective remains remarkably clear, conveyed with sincerity and urgency. It is a powerful historical account with an incisive current-day relevance, reminding us that understanding the past is crucial to safeguarding the future.
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