The Nuremberg trials from the view point of psycholgist Douglas Kelly, who was ordered to keep an eye on the prisoners before and during the trial. Rami Malek stars as Kelly.
I should start out by saying that while everyone focuses on Rusell Crowe as Herman Goering , the truth is the whole cast including Michael Shannon, John Slattery and Colin Hanks is first rate. Even Malik who can be hot or cold, gives a genuine performance that makes you realize he really is a good actor.
Going into the film I wasn't certain how it would be. Yes it looked good, but it kind of had Oscar Bait written all over it. I was afraid that it would be all posturing. Instead I was surprised. The film is about way more than just the Goering centric thread. Issues of could they do the trials and how to do them were also in the mix. There are more characters than just Kelly and the Field Marshall. And almost everyone is nicely written so they don't come off as just a cut out or mouth piece.
Is it historically accurate to the letter of the law? Probably not. There is too much here to work in a two plus hour film. At the same time it is gripping and extremely entertaining even for people who know the story. Additionally I am hearing more and more from friends who have seen the film, many who went with their parents to the movies who came out of it expecting nothing and raving about how good it is.
I loved it. It was the first of this years possible Oscar nominees to make me think it actually belongs in the mix.
Highly recommended.
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